Methodology for the Sampling and

Analysis of Produced Water and Other

Hydrocarbon Discharges

1. The Offshore Petroleum Activities

(Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2005
(as amended 2011)
 Crown copyright February 2014
You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium,
under the terms of the Open Government Licence.
To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/
or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU,
or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk.
Any enquiries regarding this publication should be sent to us at Offshore Inspectorate, DECC,
Atholl House, 86 Guild Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6AR. Email:
offshore.inspectorate@decc.gsi.gov.uk; Telephone: 01224 254138.
This document is available from our website at www.gov.uk/decc.

2
Contents

1 DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS .........................................................................................6

1.1 Definitions .............................................................................................................................6
1.2 Normative references ............................................................................................................8
1.3 Abbreviations ........................................................................................................................9
2 POINT OF CONTACT .................................................................................................................11
3 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................12
3.1 The Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2005
(OPPC) (as amended 2011) ...........................................................................................................12
3.2 OPPC - Dispersed oil in produced water discharges to sea.................................................12
3.3 Objectives of this document ................................................................................................13
4 PRODUCED WATER SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS REQUIREMENTS FOR OFFSHORE OIL
AND GAS FACILITIES LOCATED IN THE UKCS ..............................................................................14
4.1 Offshore sampling requirements - general guidance ...........................................................14
4.2 Offshore installations discharging >2 tonnes of dispersed oil to sea per annum ..................14
4.3 Offshore installations discharging <2 tonnes of dispersed oil to sea per annum ..................15
4.4. Offshore installations produced water injection/re-injection ..............................................15
4.5. Offshore installations produced water batch-wise discharge ............................................15
4.6. Offshore installations displacement water discharge ........................................................15
4.7 Additional PON1 / Permitted Discharge Notification reporting sampling requirements .........15
4.8 Compilation of monthly dispersed oil in produced water figure ............................................15
4.9 Training Requirements for personnel ..................................................................................16
5 PRODUCED WATER SAMPLE POINTS AND SAMPLING ........................................................17
5.1 Produced water sample point location .................................................................................17
5.2 Design of a produced water sample point............................................................................17
5.3 Produced water sampling when using online oil in water monitors ......................................18
5.4 Produced water flow rate and sample point condition ..........................................................18
5.5 Offshore produced water sample bottle requirements .........................................................18
5.6 Labelling requirements for sending samples for onshore analysis .......................................19
5.7 Sample collection and treatment following sampling ...........................................................19
5.8 Sample analysis and storage times .....................................................................................20
5.9 Taking duplicate produced water samples...........................................................................20
5.10 Florisil .................................................................................................................................20

3
6 MEASUREMENT OF DISPERSED OIL IN PRODUCED WATER USING INFRARED ANALYSIS
METHOD - DECC IR METHOD ..........................................................................................................22
6.1 Scope ..................................................................................................................................22
6.2 Summary of Method ............................................................................................................22
6.3 Apparatus............................................................................................................................22
6.4 Reagents.............................................................................................................................23
6.5 Method of Calibration ..........................................................................................................23
6.6 Method of Sampling ............................................................................................................26
6.7 Extraction ............................................................................................................................26
6.8. Infra-Red Spectroscopy.......................................................................................................27
6.9. Calculation and Results.......................................................................................................27
6.10 Annex A ..............................................................................................................................29
7 MEASUREMENT OF DISPERSED OIL IN PRODUCED WATER USING INFRARED ANALYSIS
METHOD - DECC TRIPLE PEAK METHOD .......................................................................................34
7.1 Scope ..................................................................................................................................34
7.2 Principle ..............................................................................................................................34
7.3 Reagents.............................................................................................................................35
7.4 Calibration Reagents ...........................................................................................................35
7.5 Preparation of stock solutions .............................................................................................35
7.6 Apparatus............................................................................................................................35
7.7 Sampling .............................................................................................................................36
7.8 Preparation of the chromatographic column ........................................................................36
7.9 Infra-red spectrometer calibration ........................................................................................36
7.10 Procedure ...........................................................................................................................37
7.11 Calculation of oil content .....................................................................................................37
7.12 Expression of results ...........................................................................................................38
7.13 Annex B (Normative) ...........................................................................................................39
7.14 Annex C ..............................................................................................................................42
8 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE OSPAR REFERENCE METHOD ..................................................45
8.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................45
8.2 Using the OSPAR Reference Method directly offshore........................................................45
8.3 Use of alternative oil in water analysis methods to the OSPAR Reference Method .............46
8.4 General approach on how to correlate an alternative analysis method ................................46
8.5 Method A2 Correlation using laboratory prepared standard oil in water solutions when the
alternative analysis method uses n-pentane as the solvent ............................................................49
8.6 Dealing with alternative method analyser instrument breakdown ........................................50
8.7 General correlation issues covering methods A1 & A2. .......................................................50

4
9 OSPAR REFERENCE METHOD (ISO 9377-2 As Modified by OSPAR) .....................................52
10 OSPAR Reference Method of Analysis for the Determination of the Dispersed Oil Content in
Produced Water (Reference number: 2005-15) ..................................................................................53
11 USE OF ONLINE OIL IN WATER ANALYSERS .........................................................................77
12 BI-ANNUAL PRODUCED WATER SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS ................................................81
13 HYDROCARBON ANALYSIS OF NON-PRODUCED WATER DISCHARGE STREAMS............87
APPENDICES WORKED EXAMPLES ILLUSTRATING CORRELATION METHODS DEVELOPED
IN CHAPTER 8 ...................................................................................................................................90
APPENDIX A ..................................................................................................................................91
APPENDIX B ..................................................................................................................................93

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1 DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

1.1 Definitions

Accuracy closeness of the agreement between result and true value

Arithmetic mean sum of measured values divided by the number of values

Alternative method any oil in water analysis method other than the OSPAR Reference
Method

Bias consistent deviation of the measured value from the accepted

reference value. It is a systemic error source, relating to the indication
of a measuring instrument

Calibration a set of operations that establishes, under specific conditions, the

relationship between the output of a measurement system and the
accepted values of the calibration standards (e.g. amount or quantity
of analyte).

Confidence interval a number expressing the degree of confidence in a quoted result, e.g.
95%. The probability that the value of the measurement lies within
the quoted range of uncertainty.

Correlation interdependence or relationship between data from an alternative

method and that from a reference method

DECC IR method a method that is based on TTCE extraction followed by infrared

quantification at a wavelength of 2930 cm-1. See details in Section 6
of this document. Accepted alternative method to OSPAR Reference
Method

DECC Triple Peak a method that is based on TTCE extraction followed by infrared
method quantification at three wavelengths. See details in Section 7 of this
document. Accepted alternative method to OSPAR Reference
Method

Discharge limit means a limit value for a concentration in mg/l, calculated on the
basis of the total weight of the relevant substances discharged per
month, divided by the total volume of water discharged during the
same period.

Dispersed oil means hydrocarbons as determined according to the reference

method of analysis given in section 3.1 of the OSPAR Agreement
2005-15, which defines dispersed oil as: The sum of the
concentrations of compounds extractable with n-pentane, not
adsorbed on Florisil and which may be chromatographed with
retention times between those of n-heptane (C7H16) and n-
tetracontane (C40H82) excluding the concentrations of the aromatic
hydrocarbons toluene, ethyl benzene and the three isomers of xylene

6
Florisil a trade name for a prepared diatomaceous substance, mainly
consisting of anhydrous magnesium silicate.

Linear regression in this document it is the same as least-squares linear regression,

which works by finding the best line through the data that minimises
the sums of squares of the residuals. It can be further defined as the
process of finding the equation of a straight line that best fits the data
and is the relation between variables when the regression equation is
linear:
e.g., y = ax + b

Minitab a trade name for commercially available statistical software package.

See www.minitab.com for details

Oil OPPC definition: means any liquid hydrocarbon, or substitute liquid

hydrocarbon, whether obtained from plants or animals, or
mineral deposit or by synthesis.
OSPAR definition: the total of hydrocarbons as may be determined
according to the methods of analysis given in section 7 of OSPAR
Recommendation 2001/1

OSPAR Reference means ISO 9377-2 GC-FID method with modifications as detailed in
Method OSPAR documents. See sections 8 & 9 of this document

Precision a statement of closeness of agreement between independent

measured values under stipulated conditions and is usually stated in
terms of standard deviation

Regression coefficient when the regression line is linear (y = ax + b) the regression

coefficient is the constant (a) that represents the rate of change of
one variable (y) as a function of changes in the other (x); it is the
slope of the regression line.

Repeatability (of an closeness of the agreement between repeated measurements of the

instrument or of same property under the same conditions
measurement results)

Reproducibility closeness of the agreement between measurements of the same

property carried out under changed conditions of measurements (e.g.
by a different person or a different instrument, or at a different time).

Standard deviation the positive square root of the variance, giving a measure of the
distribution of values in a Normal probability distribution

Uncertainty (of quantified doubt about the result of a measurement

measurement)

Validation confirmation that initial calibration has not changed and is still valid

Variance a measure of the dispersion of a set of measurements, giving a

measure of the distribution of values in a normal distribution

7
1.2 Normative references
The following standards are referenced within this document and contain provisions which
should be referred to when carrying out the methods detailed within this document. At the time
of publication, the editions indicated were valid. All standards are subject to revision, and users
of this document are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent
editions of the standards indicated below. Members of ISO and IEC maintain registers of
currently valid International Standards.

IP 426:98 (12), Determination of the oil content of effluent water - Extraction and infra-red
spectrometric method.
ISO 385:2005, Laboratory glassware Burettes : General requirements.
ISO 835:2007, Laboratory glassware Graduated pipettes : General requirements.
ISO 1042:1998, Laboratory glassware One mark volumetric flasks.
ISO 3171:1988, Petroleum liquids Automatic pipeline sampling
ISO 3696:1987, Water for analytical laboratory use Specification and test methods.
ISO 5667-3:2012, Water quality - Sampling - Part 3: Guidance on the preservation and handling
of samples.
ISO 8466-1:1990, Water quality - Calibration and evaluation of analytical methods and
estimation of performance characteristics - Part 1: Statistical evaluation of the linear calibration
function.
ISO 9377-2:2000, Water quality Determination of Hydrocarbon Index Part 2: Method using
solvent extraction and gas chromatography.
OSPAR Agreement 2005-15: OPSAR reference method of analysis for the determination of the
dispersed oil content in produced water.
OSPAR Agreement 2006-6: Oil in produced water analysis Guideline on criteria for alternative
method acceptance and general guidelines on sample taking and handling.

8
1.3 Abbreviations
AAS Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy
BTEX Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl-benzene, Xylene
DRC-ICP-MS Dynamic Reaction Cell Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy
DECC Department of Energy and Climate Change
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-energy-climate-
change
EEMS Environmental Emissions Monitoring System
EDU Energy Development Unit
FPSO Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading
FT-IR Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
GC Gas Chromatography
GC-FID Gas Chromatography Flame Ionisation Detection
GC-MS Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry
GC-MS-MS Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry-Mass Spectrometry
HR-ICP-MS High Resolution Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy
ICP-AES Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry
IP Institute of Petroleum (now Energy Institute) (http://www.energyinst.org.uk/)
IR Infrared
ISO International Organization for Standardization
(http://www.iso.org/iso/en/ISOOnline.frontpage)
ISO WD International Organization for Standardization Working Document
JIP Joint Industry Project
MSDS Material Safety Data Sheets
NPD Naphthalene, Phenanthrene and Dibenzothiaphene
OCR The Offshore Chemicals Regulations 2002 (as amended)
ODP Oil Discharge Permit
OED Offshore Environment and Decommissioning
OGUK Oil and Gas UK (formerly UKOOA) (http://www.oilandgas.org.uk)
OIC Offshore Industry Committee
OIW Oil in Water
OIWAM Oil in Water Analysis Method
OPF Organic Phase Fluid (referring to drilling operator)
OPPC The Offshore Petroleum Activities (Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations
2005 (as amended)
9
OSPAR Oslo Paris Commission (http://www.ospar.org/)
PAH Polycyclic or Polynuclear Aromatic (or Polyaromatic) Hydrocarbon
PARCOM Paris Commission
POPA Prevention of Oil Pollution Act
PON Petroleum Operations Notice
TEX Toluene, Ethyl-benzene, Xylene
TTCE Tetrachloroethylene
UKCS United Kingdom Continental Shelf
US EPA United States Environment Protection Agency
UV Ultraviolet
VFA Volatile Fatty Acid
WBM Water Based Mud

10
2 POINT OF CONTACT

For specific technical queries regarding this document please contact:

David MacDonald, Environmental Inspector, on:

Tel: 01224 254008

Fax: 01224 254019
E-mail: david.macdonald@decc.gsi.gov.uk

or contact the Offshore Inspectorate Team at:

Tel: 01224 254138

E-mail: offshore.inspectorate@decc.gsi.gov.uk

Written enquiries should be sent to:

Department of Energy and Climate Change

Energy Development Unit
Offshore Environment and Decommissioning (EDU-OED)
Atholl House
86-88 Guild Street
Aberdeen
AB11 6AR
United Kingdom

Future Revisions from Version 2.1

Future revisions to this document can be noted from the revision number. Major revisions to the
document will be noted by a change to the first number, e.g. 3.1, 4.1, etc. Minor changes to
correct errors or provide small clarifications will be noted by a change to the second number,
e.g. 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, etc. Major revisions will be put out to industry for comment. Minor revisions will
not be so notified and users of the document should ensure that they are using / referring to the
latest version. Changes will be identified within the document.

11
3 INTRODUCTION

3.1 The Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control)
Regulations 2005 (OPPC) (as amended 2011)
The OPPC Regulations prohibit the discharge of oil into the sea unless it is in accordance with
the conditions of an oil discharge permit. In support of OPPC, the Energy Development Unit
Offshore Oil & Gas Environment and Decommissioning (EDU-OGED) branch has provided clear
technical guidance on suitable methods for the sampling and analysis of produced water (and
other samples containing hydrocarbons) in order to enable industry to comply fully with the
regulations.

Many of the conditions contained in an oil discharge permit depend on the accurate
measurement of oil. The accurate measurement of oil in produced water is particularly
important when considering the monthly dispersed oil in water discharge limit (30mg/l),
produced water upsets and the calculation of hydrocarbon discharge quantities.

Summary - Oil in water analysis methods from 1 January 2007

The OSPAR / DECC approved oil in produced water analysis reference method is the OSPAR
Reference Method which is a modified version of the ISO 9377-2 method. It is anticipated that
most offshore facilities may continue to use the DECC IR method as an alternative offshore
method. Such an alternative method must be correlated to the OSPAR Reference Method
using procedures outlined in this document and in line with OSPAR Agreement 2006-06. Other
facilities may opt to use the OSPAR Reference Method directly offshore. Operators may opt to
use alternative methods other than the DECC IR method, such as UV, but this should be
discussed with DECC before being implemented offshore.

The OSPAR Reference Method is the standard method for dispersed oil in produced water
analysis in the UK for both oil and gas facilities. Dispersed oil in produced water figures reported
to DECC & EEMS must be reported in terms of this method.

Note: The OSPAR reference method is to be used ONLY for the determination of dispersed oil
in produced water. This method is not to be used for the determination of oil in other
discharges under OPPC, e.g. oil on sand, drains discharges, etc.

3.2 OPPC - Dispersed oil in produced water discharges to sea

For the discharge of dispersed oil in produced water to sea, the following sampling and analysis
requirements are specifically mentioned in the oil discharge permit conditions:

(a) Requirement to analyse produced water / displacement water discharges for dispersed
oil.
(b) Analysis of hazardous / non-hazardous drainage discharges for oil in water content,
where sampling facilities exist.
(c) Provision for the use of alternative analysis methods provided that DECC approves them.
(d) Requirement for sampling and analysis, on a bi-annual basis, of produced water samples
for:

12
 (i) Total Aliphatics.
(ii) Total Aromatics.
(iii) Total Hydrocarbons.
(iv) BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl Benzene and Xylene).
(v) NPD (Napthalene, Phenanthrene and Dibenzothiophene, including C1-C3 Alkyl
Homologues).
(vi) 16 EPA PAHs (excluding Naphthalene and Dibenzothiophene).
(vii) Organic Acids (Total Organic Acids, Formic, Acetic, Propionic, Butanoic, Pentanoic
and Hexanoic Acids).
(viii) Phenols (Total Phenols, C0-C3 Phenols, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9 Alkyl
Phenols plus Homologues).
(ix) Metals (Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Lead, Mercury, Nickel, Zinc)

3.3 Objectives of this document

(a) To have one document covering all relevant aspects of oil in produced water sampling
and analysis for UK offshore oil and gas facilities.
(b) To provide guidance on how to correlate alternative oil in produced water analysers for
use offshore, (including online monitoring methods), so that the resultant data can be
accepted for reporting purposes.
(c) To provide instruction on the DECC IR method for the analysis of oil in produced water
from offshore oil facilities.
(d) To provide guidance on how to analyse produced water samples obtained from offshore
gas / gas condensate facilities for aliphatic, aromatic and total hydrocarbon content using
a modified version of the IP426:98 analysis method (Triple Peak Method).
(e) To provide information on the requirements for the bi-annual analysis of produced water
for dispersed, aromatic and non-oil components.
(f) To provide information on how to implement the OSPAR Reference Method.
(g) To provide updated guidance on the hydrocarbon analyses of non-produced water
discharge streams, e.g. oil on sand / scale, oil (base oil and reservoir oil) on cuttings, oil
(base oil and reservoir oil) in near wellbore clean-ups, crude oil on Water Based Mud
(WBM) cuttings and oil in hazardous and non-hazardous drainage samples.

Note: This document or portions of it may be copied but only if reference is made to the original source.
It is freely available and must not be sold for profit. Note that the document will be periodically updated
and the reader or analyst is responsible for regularly checking the DECC website for the latest version
available at:
https://www.gov.uk/oil-and-gas-offshore-environmental-legislation#the-offshore-petroleum-
activities-oil-pollution-prevention-and-control-regulations-2005-as-amended

13
4 PRODUCED WATER SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS
REQUIREMENTS FOR OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS FACILITIES
LOCATED IN THE UKCS

4.1 Offshore sampling requirements - general guidance

Produced water sampling requirements for offshore installations are detailed in the relevant oil
discharge permit conditions. The sampling strategy followed will be partly influenced by the
quantity of oil discharged to sea in the previous calendar year in so far as reference must be
made to the previous years EEMS returns to define whether or not an installation falls into the
greater or less than two tonnes per annum category. Not all installations fall neatly into this
classification and DECC has some degree of flexibility available although any changes to
sampling strategies would only be allowed by submission of an oil discharge permit variation.
Should an operator wish to propose an alternative sampling strategy, they should contact their
Environmental Inspector. The following information is a summary of typical produced water
sampling requirements.

Additional information on produced water sample handling and treatment may also be found in
the ISO 9377-2 and ISO 5667-3 standards. The following guidelines are specific to the offshore
oil and gas industry:

In certain situations where less than two (2) tonnes of dispersed oil per annum is being
discharged to sea and/or for unmanned installations where it may be impractical to take two
samples per day, it may be more practical to ship samples directly onshore for analysis. Where
samples are shipped onshore for analysis, it is recommended, that at least one sample, plus
two duplicate spare samples i.e. three (3) bottles in total, should be taken for each sampling
occasion (refer to Section 5.9 Taking duplicate produced water samples). The duplicate
samples need only be analysed should there be some doubt about the reliability of the first
sample (e.g. first sample has a higher/lower than expected value), or if sample bottles are lost in
transit or break. This arrangement should be discussed with DECC and detailed when applying
for an oil discharge permit.

4.2 Offshore installations discharging >2 tonnes of dispersed oil to sea per annum
(b) Manned installations: at least two samples per day are required to be taken and analysed
in order to comply with the conditions of an oil discharge permit. These samples should
be taken at approximately equal intervals, using the sample points described in section 5.
(c) Unmanned installations: It is not foreseen that operators would be granted an oil
discharge permit where an installation was unmanned and discharging greater than 2
tonnes of dispersed oil to sea per annum. Consequently there is no defined minimum
sampling requirements. Where operators envisage such a scenario the sampling
requirements would be agreed on a case by case basis.

14
4.3 Offshore installations discharging <2 tonnes of dispersed oil to sea per annum
(a) Manned installations: a set of produced water samples should be collected and analysed
at least once per calendar month.
(b) Unmanned installations: one set of produced water samples shall be taken during each
planned visit.

If there is any doubt as to the representativeness of the sample collected and analysed,
additional samples should be collected.

4.4. Offshore installations produced water injection/re-injection

For installations injecting or re-injecting produced water, samples should be collected and
analysed at least once per calendar month, at approximately equal time intervals, using a
DECC approved method. Note: visual estimation of high OIW concentration samples is not an
approved method, but may be considered after discussion with a DECC Environmental
Inspector.

4.5. Offshore installations produced water batch-wise discharge

For installations that discharge produced water in a batch-wise fashion, a sufficient number of
representative sample(s) (at least one sample) of each batch discharge operation must be
taken and analysed. If any discharge continues for more than 12 hours, it should be sampled at
least twice per day, at approximately equal intervals of time.

4.6. Offshore installations displacement water discharge

For installations discharging displacement water, a sufficient number of representative samples
(at least one sample) of each displacement discharge operation should be collected and
analysed. If any discharge continues for more than 12 hours, it should be sampled at least twice
per day, at approximately equal intervals of time.

4.7 Additional PON1 / Permitted Discharge Notification reporting sampling

requirements
It is a requirement to collect and analyse additional samples at the time any PON1 / Permitted
Discharge Notification reporting requirement is reached and/or during periods of process plant
instability (e.g. plant start-up; new well start-up; subsea tieback start-up, etc.) in order to
demonstrate that sampling is representative of the produced water being discharged, and to
better monitor and respond to changing plant conditions.

4.8 Compilation of monthly dispersed oil in produced water figure

All oil in water analysis results from a permitted discharge point must be included to calculate
the overall monthly oil in water figure. It is not acceptable to cherry-pick the best analysis
results out of a suite of test results if, for example, monthly sampling is the required oil
discharge permit condition. If more analyses have been carried out then they must all be
included in the compilation of the overall oil in water monthly figure. The monthly dispersed oil in
produced water figure must be compiled and submitted to the department by the 16 th of each
calendar month via EEMS. Failure to do so is a breach of an oil discharge permit condition.

15
4.9 Training Requirements for personnel
It is a condition of an oil discharge permit that personnel carrying out oil in water sampling and
analysis methods must be provided with sufficient information, instruction and training to ensure
the analysis is carried out correctly. Training records and any competence assessments of
personnel should be kept on the installation where practical and made available to the
Department on request. As a minimum, personnel conducting the analytical methods should be
trained to a level of competency allowing personnel to perform the analysis correctly, manage
routine verification, calibration, documentation and quality control test requirements without
supervision. Operators must determine at what frequency periodic assessment or retraining of
personnel is required in order to maintain levels of competency. This is particularly important
where personnel do not routinely carry out the analytical procedures.

Note: DECC does not provide approval of training courses or assessments offered by
operators or third party vendors. It is the responsibility of the operator to ensure that
personnel are adequately trained to meet the requirements of the oil discharge permit,
their own requirements and the requirements of this document.

16
5 PRODUCED WATER SAMPLE POINTS AND SAMPLING

5.1 Produced water sample point location

The sample point for the collection of produced water samples should conform to the following
criteria:

(a) The sampling point should be immediately after the last item of treatment equipment in,
or downstream of, a turbulent region, and in any case before any subsequent dilution.
The sample point should also be downstream of any installed produced water volume
meter (though see also 5.4b).
(b) The location of the produced water sample point must be agreed with DECC and must
not be changed without written permission. Failure to request permission to change the
location of a sample point is a breach of the permit conditions and will require that an
OPPC non-compliance be submitted.

5.2 Design of a produced water sample point

The design of the sample point should conform to the following criteria:

(a) Vertical up-flow is the preferred orientation for installation of a produced water sample
point. Under certain circumstances sample probes installed on downward flowing pipes
may be acceptable provided that the flow velocity and mixing is adequate [see ISO 3171
for further details].
(b) Where practicable, a centre line pitot should always be used. These are available
commercially and can be of such a design that they can be withdrawn for inspection.
Pitots can also be made very easily using stainless steel tubing or other suitable
materials. The pitot should be of at least bore and the edges of the pitot should be
smoothed off prior to use. Where installation of centre line pitots may prove difficult,
sidewall sampling may be used together with a suitably designed sample valve/tubing
configuration.
(c) For sample points in horizontal pipework, sample points should be located at a point
where the flow velocity is high enough to provide adequate turbulent mixing. If centre line
pitots are not available, sidewall sample points should be in the horizontal positions.
Sidewall sample points on the top or bottom of horizontal pipe work is not recommended
and should be avoided.
(d) For external valving at the sample point, there will normally be a requirement for double
block and bleed valving, although this may vary according to operator.
(e) The distance between the sample probe and the sample valving should always be
minimised, as the longer the sample line, the greater the chance of unrepresentative
samples being collected. For example, where a sample point has not been flushed
properly, there is a possibility that oil residue retained within the sample line will introduce
an artificially high result.
(f) Sample tubing requires no special guidelines but the material used should be compatible
with the fluids being sampled. Generally, stainless steel is the preferred material of
choice offshore, although special alloys may be required subject to fluid characteristics
and safety implications. Plastic or rubber tubing must not be used.
17
5.3 Produced water sampling when using online oil in water monitors
Wide ranges of online oil in water monitoring technologies are commercially available and can
vary significantly in terms of both their detection principles and methods of sampling. Some
systems operate using a side-stream taking produced water from the main process system,
whilst others can be installed directly into the main produced water discharge pipe. Some
general guidelines can, however, be applied to the installation of online systems so that
representative sampling can be achieved.

(a) Where online systems require a side-stream feed to the monitor, the feed should be
provided by a dedicated sample connection. A centre line pitot should be used, in
conjunction with vertical up flow (refer to Section 5.2a) to ensure that the sample is
representative. Subject to the available pressure and the monitor flow requirements the
sample may need to be pumped to the monitor.
(b) The distance between the sample point and any external online monitor should be
minimised as far as practically possible.
(c) Where online systems require the installation of a probe into the main produced water
flow line, the location should ensure that the probe is exposed to representative flow
conditions, as detailed within ISO 3171.

5.4 Produced water flow rate and sample point condition

The use and condition of the sample point should conform to the following criteria:

(a) Discharges of produced water to sea from sample points are a permitted activity under
OPPC.
(b) To assist in obtaining a representative sample, the sample point can be allowed to flow
continuously if the sample point is downstream of the produced water meter. If the
sample point is upstream of the produced water meter, the sample point must not be
allowed to flow continuously between sampling occasions.
(c) If sample points are not in continuous use, hydrocarbons and/or solids can collect within
the probe and sample line. It is therefore essential that adequate flushing be carried out
prior to a sample being taken. As a minimum, the sample point should be flushed for one
minute prior to a sample being taken or until the line approximately reaches process
temperature (i.e. the temperature of the vessel from which the fluid is being removed),
whichever is the greater.
(d) The sample point should be maintained in good working order.
(e) Where the produced water flow rate is low and there are concerns about possible
stratification, installation of an orifice plate to restrict flow and maintain turbulence should
be considered.

5.5 Offshore produced water sample bottle requirements

The requirements relating to sample bottles used for dispersed oil in produced water analysis
are as follows:

(a) Clean borosilicate glass (high temperature) bottles of 500ml capacity should be used for
the collection of produced water samples. Sample volumes of 1000ml may be required

18
 for analysis of low oil in water concentrations and with certain analysis methods. The
ISO 5667-3 standard specifies 1000ml samples for hydrocarbon analysis.
(b) Bottle caps must have an inert insert, as this will prevent contamination from the plastic
bottle cap.
(c) All sample bottles should be solvent washed prior to use and must be free of residual
TTCE and excess water.
(d) Plastic bottles should not be used under any circumstances, as plasticizers can leach in
to the solvent and affect the analysis results.
(e) Metal containers must not be used.
(f) For sample shipment, sample bottles should be stored and transported in suitable sealed
containers, which prevent ingress of light.

5.6 Labelling requirements for sending samples for onshore analysis

For samples to be sent onshore, it is essential that sample bottles be clearly labelled with the
following minimum information:

(a) Date and time sample was taken;

(b) Sample point location;
(c) Name of installation; and
(d) Type and amount of preservative added e.g. 2.5ml or 5ml HCl depending upon the
volume of sampled water.

5.7 Sample collection and treatment following sampling

The following steps are requirements with regard to the collection and subsequent treatment of
all produced water samples taken for analysis by either the IR method or OSPAR Reference
Method:

(a) Run the sample point as per 5.4.

(b) Fill the sample bottle, taking care not to overfill it. If the temperature of the produced
water sample is hot, heat protective gloves should be worn when collecting the samples.
If the bottle is overfilled the sample must be discarded and the process repeated using a
fresh, clean sample bottle.
(c) Cap the bottle.
(d) Acidify the sample with a 1:1 hydrochloric acid-water mixture to a pH <2, noting the
volume of acid used. After mixing the sample, check the pH by touching pH-sensitive
paper to the cap to ensure that the pH is 2 or lower. Do not use immersion type pH
probes to measure the pH of samples.

Warning: Produced water may contain sulfide compounds that when acidified may release
hydrogen sulfide, which is extremely toxic, into the atmosphere. Acidification of the produced
water sample must be carried out in an operational fume cupboard.

(e) Cool the sample to lab ambient temperature (approx. 15-20C, but no more than 20C)
prior to the analysis being carried out. Other temperatures may be selected but only if
they are specified in either a recognised analysis method or are recommended by the

19
 instrument manufacturer. The cap should be loosened during the cooling process and
once cool, tightened securely.
(f) Sample temperature can typically be determined using an IR or laser thermometer, or
another method which avoids immersing a thermometer into the sample. The accuracy of
the selected method should be checked on a 6 monthly basis. This can be carried out,
for example, by a cross check against an alcohol thermometer with a certificate of
conformity. Taking a temperature measurement of a liquid, both thermometers should
read within 3C of each other. If the IR thermometer does not pass this check it should
be replaced or recalibrated. The results of cross checks should be recorded in the oil in
water logbook or in any other auditable format.
(g) Sample sparging using nitrogen (or any other gas), is no longer permitted and should not
be used under any circumstances unless it has been discussed and agreed with the
Department.
(h) Samples should be stored in a refrigerator (4C to 8C) if they are not going to be
analysed within twelve hours. Prior to any analysis being carried out they must be
warmed to laboratory ambient temperature or another specified temperature (see (e)
above).

5.8 Sample analysis and storage times

For a variety of reasons it may not be possible to analyse the sample immediately (e.g. waiting
on a replacement analyser, samples to be sent onshore for analysis), in which case samples
must be acidified with a 1:1 hydrochloric acid-water mixture to a pH <2 and stored in a
refrigerator (4C to 8C) until analysed. Samples sent onshore for analysis should be stored in a
refrigerator at or below (4C to 8C), once received, until analysed. Preserved samples must be
analysed within seven (7) days of collection. Where analysis within seven (7) days is not
possible, an explanation must be provided to the appropriate DECC Environmental Inspector.
For installations where samples are returned to shore for analysis on the same day as
sampling, and where acid is unavailable, samples should be acidified on arrival at the onshore
laboratory.

5.9 Taking duplicate produced water samples

When taking duplicate produced water samples mark duplicate sample bottles at 1/3, 2/3 and
3/3 volume measurement and then fill the sample bottles 1/3 at a time in turn until all bottles are
full.

5.10 Florisil
Where there are concerns that polar components such as fatty acids may interfere with the
analysis/detection method, the use of 1-2g of activated Florisil to treat the produced water
sample extract is recommended. If used correctly this should ensure that polar components are
removed from the sample extract prior to quantification. Note that un-activated florisil will not
effectively remove polar and/or VFA components from the sample, possibly resulting in higher
OIW results. Florisil containers must be securely sealed and must be stored in a desiccator
when not in use. Florisil must be activated (16 hours at 140C) prior to use, which may be
carried out before being shipped offshore or activated offshore if suitable facilities exist. Whilst
being shipped offshore, the activated Florisil must be kept dry. Activated Florisil, once opened
and if stored correctly in a desiccator, will remain activated for 30 days. Larger amounts of

20
Florisil may be used under exceptional circumstances but such use would be subject to DECC
approval.

Where there is no facility to activate / reactivate florisil offshore, smaller volume containers e.g.
100g, of florisil should be considered so as to minimise or avoid unnecessary waste.

Note: For florisil to be effective, it must be activated and the solvent must be slowly passed
through the florisil. Flooding the filter paper, such that the bulk of the solvent absorbs
through the filter paper and runs down the side of the filter funnel without passing through
the florisil, will not be effective and may result in higher results.

21
6 MEASUREMENT OF DISPERSED OIL IN PRODUCED WATER
USING INFRARED ANALYSIS METHOD - DECC IR METHOD

(DECC Infrared / Tetrachloroethylene Method)

This method does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this method to establish appropriate safety and health procedures and to
comply with relevant UK health and safety legislation.

6.1 Scope
This method is intended for the determination of the oil content within produced water, drains
and other discharge streams. The method includes the measurement of most light oil fractions,
although some loss of volatile components will occur during extractions.

The method has a nominal working range from 0 to 80mg/l and 0 - 0.8 A (absorbance units).
The lower level of detection can be improved to 0.1mg/l by using longer path-length cells. The
upper limit of the method can be extended at least to 1,000 mg/l by preparing dilutions of the
sample extract.

Note: Although this procedure seeks to address all aspects of the analysis method, it is not
equipment specific. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that suitable local operating
procedures are in place, for the specific equipment in use, in order to ensure that the analysis is
carried out correctly.

6.2 Summary of Method

A sample of the discharge water to be analysed is acidified to a low pH (<2), extracted with two
volumes of Tetrachloroethylene (TTCE) or an alternative solvent approved by DECC, and the IR
absorbance measured using an infrared analyser with a fixed wavelength of 2930cm-1. The oil
content of the sample is determined by comparison of the infrared absorbencies of the extract
against a calibration graph prepared using a series of standards containing a known mass of
crude oil.

6.3 Apparatus
6.3.1 Glass separating funnel, 500ml or 1000ml volume, with PTFE stopcock.

6.3.2 Infrared spectrophotometer, preferably with fixed wavelength.

6.3.3 Cells, stoppered - 5mm path-length, sodium chloride or infrared grade quartz with a
-1
minimum of 80% transmittance at 2,930 cm . The 5mm path-length is recommended as
being convenient for monitoring levels normally encountered. Longer path-lengths may
be used.

6.3.4 50ml class A volumetric flask with Teflon stopcock.

6.3.5 Filter paper, medium grade, 12.5cm.

22
6.3.6 Glass sample bottles, 500ml or 1000ml with caps containing inert inserts.

6.3.7 Glass Filter funnel, 10cm or 15cm diameter.

6.3.8 500ml or 1000ml measuring cylinder (5ml graduations).

6.3.8 IR or Laser Thermometer used to determine temperature of samples and standards.

The thermometer should be such that the temperature of the fluid can be determined
without immersing the thermometer into the fluid itself.

Note: The thermometer should be maintained in a suitable manner to ensure accurate

temperature measurement refer to section 5.7 (f).

6.3.10 Lens cleaning tissue

6.3.11 Lab Fridge used to store correlation standards and maintain them at 4C to 8C.

Note: All vessels likely to come into contact with extractant should be made of glass.

6.4 Reagents
6.4.1 Hydrochloric acid, 1:1 (HCl). Analytical reagent grade (36-38% AR or SG1.18 AR).
Prepare by adding equal volumes of concentrated HCl to distilled water.

6.4.2 Sodium chloride - Reagent Grade.

6.4.3 Activated Florisil: 30 - 60 or 60 100 mesh B.S.S. (or equivalent). Also refer to section
5.10.

6.4.4 Tetrachloroethylene (TTCE). The solvent used must be free from contaminants or
stabilisers, which may interfere with infrared absorption at the wavelength used.

Note: TTCE is harmful by inhalation, ingestion and skin absorption. All handling of TTCE
should be carried out within an operational fume hood as far as possible.

Note: Whilst Tetrachloroethylene is the current DECC approved extraction solvent, DECC will
allow the use of the proprietary solvent S-316 (a dimer/trimer of chlorotrifluoroethylene)
as a direct replacement for tetrachloroethylene in the DECC IR method.

6.5 Method of Calibration

The series of standards required for calibration should be prepared by introducing a known
mass of the particular stabilised crude involved into a known volume of distilled or deionised
water followed by extraction, and preparing further standards by successive dilution of the
extract. On installations where movement or motion prevent the generation of calibration
standards using a weighed sample of crude, a fixed volume of crude can be used instead, by
using a calibrated micropipettor or syringe and dispensing the required volume of crude. The
23
volume of the sample can then be converted back into mass by multiplying the volume of
sample by the crude density at the temperature at which the calibration is carried out.
Calibration should be carried out at lab ambient temperature (approx. 15C - 20C), but no more
than 20C.

6.5.1 Oil Reference: A fresh, stabilised crude oil or crude oil blend that is representative of the
produced waters being processed should be selected and used. Typically a dry export
crude sample will be suitable, though if export crude is a blend of the host installation and
an imported crude, which is not processed on the host installation, then a crude sample
should be taken from upstream of where the two different crude streams co-mingle. The
well configuration at the time of sampling the crude should also be recorded. Operators
should endeavour to obtain crude samples for calibration when the process is stable.
Significant variation in well configuration may affect the overall oil composition and
hence, calibration of the IR analyser. In these cases, recalibration of the IR analyser and
correlation to the onshore GC may be required. It is the responsibility of the Operators to
assess if variation in well configuration has such an impact.

Note: Well configuration data that should be recorded as a minimum are, the wells which are
flowing at time of sampling, well production rates and water cut.

6.5.2 Stock Reference Standard: Accurately weigh about 300 mg (approx. 350l if using a
fixed volume) of reference oil and add to 1 litre of distilled / deionised water in a
separating funnel. Add 5g of sodium chloride and shake well. Extract as per Section 6.7
below in 100 ml of solvent to form a stock reference standard.

6.5.3 Calibration Standards: Prepare a series of dilutions by pipetting volumes of stock

reference standard into 100ml class A volumetric flasks and diluting to volume with
solvent. A convenient series of volumes for dilution is 1, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25ml of stock
solution. Calculate the exact equivalent concentrations of oil in water of the dilutions in
mg/l for each prepared standard.

6.5.4 Determine the IR absorbance of each standard and plot a best fit straight line graph of
absorbance vs. oil in water concentration (mg/l). The correlation coefficient of the straight
line should be calculated and, for IR instruments following this method, should be 0.98.
For other instruments or alternative methods, e.g. U.V. Fluorescence, lower coefficients
may be acceptable. In these cases, or if an R2 value of 0.98 for an IR method cannot be
achieved, the operator should contact the relevant DECC Environmental Inspector to
discuss.

Note: Should the best fit line of the graph result in low absorbance readings producing negative
oil in water concentrations, then negative results should be reported as zero.

6.5.5 If the calibration of the alternative instrument has been carried out by an onshore
laboratory, a portion of each of the calibration standard solutions, as well as the blank
solution, must accompany the calibrated alternative instrument offshore. On arrival, two
standard solutions (at approximately 20% and 80% of the instrument range) used in the

24
 generation of the calibration graph, must be analysed offshore immediately. It should be
confirmed with the onshore laboratory whether the analysis results lie within 95% of the
calibration graph confidence limits to confirm that the calibration graph is still valid
following shipment

6.5.6 If calibration solutions are prepared onshore but the calibration of the alternative
instrument is to be carried out offshore, the calibration solutions, as well as a blank
solution, must be clearly labelled with oil concentration (mg/l) and date generated prior to
shipment. On arrival of the calibration solutions offshore, the solutions should be allowed
to warm to lab ambient temperature and the IR instrument must be zeroed with the blank
solution provided and the absorbance of the six calibration solutions determined. A graph
of oil concentration vs. absorbance can then be generated (either offshore or by the
onshore laboratory).

6.5.7 When a calibration curve is supplied, it must be signed and dated with the instrument
serial number, analysts name, and the correlation coefficient clearly recorded. Where
calibration standards have been prepared based on oil volume and the mass calculated
by oil density, the density of the oil at the calibration temperature must also be recorded.

6.5.8 Recalibration must be carried out every 6 months or sooner if the current calibration is
found to be no longer valid during monthly validation checks.

6.5.9 During the 6 month period, at least one calibration validation check must be carried out
each month following the month of calibration. This is achieved by analysing a standard
solution that has been used in establishing the original calibration curve (Refer to Section
8.4.4 for full details).

Note: The standard solutions must be stored in a fridge (4C to 8C) and be kept tightly sealed
when not in use. Standard solutions should not be kept for longer than six months.

6.5.10 If the calibration of an IR graph results in a non-linear graph this may prove problematic if
trying to correlate the IR method against the OSPAR Reference Method. In many cases
it is possible to obtain a graph that is linear in the 0-80mg/l range. If not the following
questions should be addressed:

(a) Is the correct determinand being used? e.g. transmission being used instead of
absorbance;
(b) Is the optical band width too wide? Can it be adjusted? This may be the case with
some filter instruments; and
(c) Is too high a concentration being measured? Diluting the solvent extract or reducing
the optical path length can overcome this. In some cases other calibration ranges
may be more appropriate e.g. 0-40mg/l if a non-linear response is being obtained.

If points (a) to (c) are addressed and a non-linear response is still obtained, it may be
necessary to select a different instrument or analysis method.

25
6.6 Method of Sampling
Refer to Section 5.7 of this document for details regarding sampling & sample treatment.

6.7 Extraction
6.7.1 Cool the sample to lab ambient temperature (approx. 15C - 20C, but no more than
20C).

6.7.2 Add 2.5ml of 1:1 hydrochloric acid to the sample bottle. After mixing the sample, check
the pH by touching pH-sensitive paper to the inside of the cap to ensure that the pH is 2
or lower. Add more acid if necessary to reduce the pH to 2 or lower. In cases where the
presence of process chemicals results in an emulsion layer at the water/solvent
boundary, additional acid may be added to break up the emulsion. Where additional acid
is added, the total volume of acid used should be noted and deducted from the sample
volume when calculating oil concentration (see section 6.9).

Note: It should be noted that unless there is a significant change in well fluids, which may also
change produced water pH, the pH of produced water will not vary significantly. Once it
has been established that a given volume of HCl will reduce pH to <2, then it is not
necessary to check this with pH paper for every analysis. This check will only be required
to be carried out periodically or should well fluids change.

Note: In exceptional circumstances, emulsions of TTCE and water may form. In some cases
the addition of sodium hydroxide may be more effective at breaking this emulsion.
Operators wishing to do this must first discuss this with DECC.

6.7.3 Pour the sample into a clean, dry separating funnel.

6.7.4 Add exactly 25ml solvent to the sample bottle.

Note: If dispensers are used to measure out volumes of solvent, then periodic checks that the
dispenser is accurately measuring the required volume should be carried out.

6.7.5 Cap tightly and thoroughly shake the bottle for about 15 seconds to rinse the inside and
cap. Transfer the solvent into the separating funnel and extract by shaking vigorously for
2 minutes, venting regularly to remove any pressure build-up.

6.7.6 Allow the mixture to stand for a period of at least five minutes in order for the TTCE to
fully separate.

6.7.7 If required, place 1-2g of activated powdered florisil into a solvent moistened filter paper.
Larger amounts of Florisil can be used if it can be demonstrated that this is required to
remove larger than normal amounts of polar compounds from the produced water
sample. Approval for the use of increased amounts of Florisil must be obtained from a
DECC Environmental Inspector. If desired, the Florisil may be placed in a thin glass

26
 column rather than onto filter paper. The use of florisil to treat the sample is
recommended.

6.7.8 Drain the solvent layer slowly through a glass funnel containing solvent-moistened filter
paper (and 1-2g of florisil if used) into a 50ml class A volumetric flask, avoiding overfilling
or flooding the paper.

6.7.9 Repeat steps 6.7.4 6.7.6 with an additional 25ml portion of fresh solvent and drain the
solvent layer through the filter paper, combining all solvent in the volumetric flask.

6.7.10 Rinse the tip of the separating funnel with a small portion of solvent and collect the
rinsings in the volumetric flask. Adjust the extract volume up to 50ml with solvent by
running additional solvent through the florisil and filter paper and stopper the flask. Mix
well.

6.7.11 Drain the water layer into a 500 ml graduated cylinder and measure the sample volume
to the nearest 2.5 ml.

6.8. Infra-Red Spectroscopy

6.8.1 Prepare the infra-red spectrophotometer according to the manufacturer's instructions.

6.8.2 Rinse a cell thoroughly and ensure that it is clean and oil free both outside and inside. Fill
with clean solvent and place in the instrument. Adjust the meter to zero and ensure that
the reading is steady.

6.8.3 Rinse a cell with two volumes of the extract to be measured and then fill the cell. Place
the cell in the meter and note the absorbance reading.

6.9. Calculation and Results

6.9.1 Using the calibration graph, determine the oil concentration in the sample in mg/l.

6.9.2 If the absorbance reading is outwith the range of the linear calibration graph, a portion of
the sample extract must be diluted. Using a clean, dry glass pipette withdraw 10ml of
extract and transfer to a clean, dry 50ml volumetric flask. Make up to the mark with fresh
TTCE and determine the oil concentration of the diluted sample extract as above.

6.9.3 Correct the observed oil concentration (mg/l) for sample volume, acid added and any
dilutions using the following calculation (the analytical method assumes a 500mL sample
volume):

Corrected oil concentration (mg/l) = oil concentration (from 6.9.1) x 500ml x DF

(Actual sample volume vol. acid added)

Where,
DF = dilution factor = (volume extract diluted to / volume of extract to be diluted).

27
 For example 10ml of extract is diluted to 50ml. Dilution factor = (50/10) = 5. If no dilution
of the extract has occurred the dilution factor is 1.

6.9.4 Report results to nearest 0.1 mg/l for levels below 100mg/l. For results above 100mg/l
report to the nearest 1mg/l.

6.9.5 For produced water measurement (only) the IR result obtained above must be correlated
to the OSPAR Reference Method as detailed within Section 8.4.

28
6.10 Annex A

DECC IR Method for Determination of Oil on Sand/Scale/Solids

This method does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this method to
establish appropriate safety and health procedures and to comply with relevant UK health and safety legislation.

A.1 Background
To comply with an oil discharge permit to discharge oil on sand under the Oil Pollution
Prevention and Control Regulations 2005 (OPPC) (as amended), representative samples and
calculated estimates of the weight of discharged solids are required. The oil content of each
discharge should be less than the oil discharge permitted limit for that installation. These limits
vary for each installation. Details of the sand washing and discharge process along with sample
regime and analysis must be described within the OPPC application.

Any material to be discharged must first be cleaned to ensure that free oil is removed and
recovered. This can be by an online cleaning system or an offline mobile washing tank/vessel.
Upon leaving the washing phase the solids must be sampled before discharge (and commonly
macerated to <1mm verifiable particle size). Discharge to sea should only commence upon
authorization by the installation operator.

Compliance with OPPC can only be confirmed by hydrocarbon analysis, with results determined
in an onshore laboratory, though preliminary analysis may be carried out offshore in order to
give an indication that sand cleaning has achieved the required permit conditions and to allow
discharge rather than wait for onshore results (this would require duplicate samples).

There are three main types of method used in the offshore oil & gas industry:
Online & Offline in-process washing
Online & Offline mobile washing
Offshore decontamination chambers

A.1.1 Online & Offline in-process Washing

For installations that have solids cleaning systems as part of the process, the sample points will
be installed as part of the washing unit. The sampling frequency will be entirely dependent on
the design of the system and the operator should define the regime in order to make the
samples representative.

Installed meters can be used to estimate solids mass per discharge and a mass should be
assigned against each sample to calculate the monthly and annual discharge. If no metering is
installed to measure the mass of solids discharged to sea, then calculations should be made
from solids production estimates or process system designs specifications to then allocate mass
to each sample.

29
A.1.2 Online & Offline Mobile Washing
Probably the most common method of solids disposal is to remove the solids and route them to
a mobile washing vessel. In most cases this is done by a third-party specialist cleaning
contractor. The mobile washing vessels usually have sampling points installed on them, and if
not samples can be taken at the outflow to the macerator.

The mass of each batch of solids can either be measured by instrumentation attached to the
mobile wash vessel, or by estimation of the solids mass added to each batch wash.

Representative samples should be taken after each batch wash and the mass of each batch
estimated and recorded. It is critical to ensure these two figures are assigned against each
other correctly as many samples may be taken during a cleaning campaign with varying
hydrocarbon composition in each wash, as well as varying mass per wash.

A.1.3 Offshore Decontamination Chambers

In some cases equipment can be cleaned & decontaminated offshore in a dedicated
container/chamber/habitat. It is acceptable to accumulate material in the sump of the chamber
and to take representative samples of that material. Before being routed to a macerator for
disposal to sea, solids should be collected in the sump in the chamber, or at the macerator, and
representative samples should be taken.

A.1.4 Sample Size

Solids samples should contain a minimum 50g of solid material. Free water should be poured
off. The solid component should be placed into a suitable glass bottle, with water-tight cap and
inert inserts, which has been solvent washed prior to use and free of oil and excess solvent.
Plastic and metal sample containers should not be used. Wide necked glass bottles are
recommended for ease of sub-sampling.

Sample bottles for despatch onshore must be fully labelled, for example: Sample ID,
Installation, date & dime, discharged mass, etc.

A.1.5 Final Discharge (online or offline)

Operators must have procedures in place to ensure that discharges are authorised by a
responsible person. All results for oil on sand/scale/solids discharge must be recorded and kept
available for inspection by DECC, preferably at the offshore location.

A.2 Scope
This method uses the DECC IR method as the basis for a method to determine the
concentration of oil on sand/scale and provides amendments to that procedure. This method
requires some additional analytical equipment and it may not be possible to carry this out on all
installations (e.g. FPSOs where operation of a balance is impractical).

Note: Although a balance is required in order to carry out the above procedure, it may be
possible to carry out this method based on volume of sand and using a suitable density
factor for the sand. It would be necessary for operators to determine sand density via

30
 onshore analysis and some comparison of results over a number of samples made
between onshore and offshore analysis to demonstrate suitability of the density factor.
Any such approach should be discussed with a DECC inspector during the oil discharge
permit application process.

A.3 Summary of Method

A sample of the sand/scale/solids to be analysed is collected and a known weight of sub-
sample is extracted in TTCE. The resultant extract is analysed by IR to determine the oil
content. A calculation is then performed to determine the oil on sand/scale concentration in
mg/kg. This analysis is carried out in triplicate on a composite sample obtained by taking a
number of sub-samples from different points of the overall sand to be analysed prior to
discharge. The average of the results obtained is used for reporting to DECC for each batch
discharge.

Note: The oil on sand/scale is determined using IR and is NOT to be correlated to a GC-FID
equivalent result as per produced water.

A.4 Apparatus
The additional equipment required to carry out this method are:

A.4.1 Analytical balance, 1 decimal place.

A.4.2 Filter Funnel, 100mm minimum.

A.4.3 Filter paper, to fit filter funnel.

A.4.4 Spatula.

A.4.5 100ml wide necked Duran Bottle or equivalent.

A.5 Reagents
No additional reagents beyond those used for the DECC IR Method are required to carry out
this method.

A.6 Method of Sampling

A.6.1 Sampling of the sand/scale/sludge must be performed in a manner to ensure that, as far
as practically possible, representative samples are obtained.

A.6.2 For sampling from mobile wash vessels at the outlet of the washing-vessel or macerator,
as a minimum 3 samples must be taken per batch wash, evenly split across the batch
(e.g. start, middle and end of discharge). These samples may be taken into the same
sample bottle as a composite for the batch. If analysis is to be carried out both onshore
and offshore, duplicates of each sample or composite will be required or sufficient
sample taken so as to be able to split the sample to send onshore and offshore.

31
A.6.3 For sampling from drums, skips or other vessels where bulk sand is stored prior to
disposal, it is recommended that a minimum 50g composite sample is obtained by taking
samples from the accumulated sand at a number of evenly spaced points and depths.
Samples should not all be taken from the surface of the accumulated sand. The
composite sample should then be mixed, before a sub-sample is taken for analysis.

A.6.4 For sampling from in-process washing systems a representative sampling strategy must
be defined within the oil discharge permit application and agreed with DECC.

A.6.5 All sample bottles must be solvent washed prior to use and be in a clean, dry condition.
Plastic and metal bottles must not be used. Wide necked glass bottles are recommended
for ease of sub-sampling.

A.7 Method of Calibration

The current, valid IR calibration graph is used for this analysis.

A.8 Extraction
A.8.1 Weigh a clean, dry 100ml glass bottle to 1 decimal places. Using a spatula, transfer
approximately 10g (or equivalent volume based on sand density) of the sludge/scale to
the bottle and record the weight of the sub-sample to 1 decimal place.

A.8.2 Measure 25ml of TTCE into the bottle containing the 10g sub-sample. Ensure the lid is
tightly closed and shake vigorously for 1 minute. Carefully vent any gas by opening the
lid slowly once the TTCE has settled.

A.8.3 Place the 100mm filter funnel, containing a 1PS filter paper, into the top of a 500ml or
1000ml separating funnel and pour the solvent from the bottle into the separating funnel,
ensuring the outlet valve on the separating funnel is closed.

A.8.4 Repeat steps A.8.2 & A.8.3 three further times until all the TTCE has been transferred to
the separating funnel. The sand should be trapped in the filter paper in the filter funnel so
as to avoid blocking the stopcock of the separating funnel.

A.8.5 If required, place 1-2g of activated powdered florisil into a solvent moistened filter paper
beneath the separating funnel.

A.8.6 Drain the solvent layer through a glass funnel containing solvent-moistened filter paper
(and 1-2g of florisil if used) into a 100ml class A volumetric flask.

A.8.7 Rinse the tip of the separating funnel with a small portion of solvent and collect the
rinsings in the volumetric flask. Adjust the extract volume up to 100ml with solvent by
running additional solvent through the florisil and filter paper and stopper the flask. Mix
well.

Note: Some installations will have an IR calibration graph based upon 50ml standards. As a
result of using 100ml in this extraction step, the concentration of oil in the resultant

32
 extract using this procedure will be half what it should be. This will be taken into account
in the calculation at the end.

A.9 Infra-Red Spectroscopy

A.9.1 Rinse a cell thoroughly and ensure that it is clean and oil free both outside and inside. Fill
with clean solvent and place in the instrument. Adjust the meter to zero and ensure that
the reading is steady.

A.9.2 Perform a x10 dilution of the extracted TTCE using a suitable volumetric flask and pipette
which have been solvent washed prior to use. Note the dilution factor.

A.9.3 Rinse a cell with two volumes of the diluted extract to be measured and then fill the cell.
Wipe the outside of the cell and place the cell in the meter and note the absorbance
reading. If the absorbance is over the analytical range of the graph, further dilutions must
be made, similar to section 6.9.2 of the IR method above.

A.10 Calculation and Results

A.10.1 Using the calibration graph, determine the oil concentration in the sample in mg.

Note: The IR calibration graph reports in mg/l but treat this as mg of oil in the sample for these
purposes.

A.10.2 Correct the observed oil concentration (mg) for sample volume and any dilutions using
the following calculation:

oil concentration(mg/kg) = oil concentration (from A.10.1) x 1000 x DF x 100

sample weight (g) x Y
Where,
DF = dilution factor = 10 plus any further dilutions required.
Y = normal IR calibration standard solution volume (ml).

For example: For a 10g sample, after diluting the initial extract by x10 a further x2 dilution
is required to bring the extract concentration in range of the calibration graph. The final
analysis result for the diluted oil concentration was 12mg. The total dilution factor is 10 x
2 = x20 dilution. The IR graph was also created using 100ml standards. The calculation
is therefore:

oil concentration (mg/kg) = 12 x 1000 x 20 x 100 = 24,000mg/kg

10g x 100

A.10.3 Report results in mg/kg.

A.10.4 Do not correlate the IR result to the OSPAR Reference Method as total petroleum
hydrocarbons are to be reported not just dispersed oil.

33
7 MEASUREMENT OF DISPERSED OIL IN PRODUCED WATER
USING INFRARED ANALYSIS METHOD - DECC TRIPLE PEAK
METHOD

Determination of the oil content of effluent water Extraction and infra-red

spectrometric method (Modified from the IP 426/98 method)

This method does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this method to establish appropriate safety and health procedures and to
comply with relevant UK health and safety legislation

7.1 Scope
Due to the presence of dissolved aromatics often found in high quantities in produced water
samples obtained from gas/gas-condensate facilities, the measured oil in water figures using
the DECC IR method may overestimate the dispersed oil content. If using IR analysis as an
alternative method to the OSPAR Reference Method for analysing produced water samples
taken from gas or gas-condensate installations it is recommended that the DECC Triple Peak
Method (a modified version of the IP 426/98 method) be used. This method will allow total
hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and aromatic hydrocarbons to be calculated. This
method is also the recommended method for the bi-annual analysis for oil in water analysis
which requires reporting of total aliphatics, total aromatics and total hydrocarbons (refer to
Section 11). Should this method be used as an alternative method for dispersed oil in produced
water reporting, the total aliphatic hydrocarbons result should be correlated against the OSPAR
Reference Method.

This standard specifies a method for the determination of the hydrocarbon oil content of water
effluent, in the milligram per litre range.

NOTE 1: Calibration involves the solving of simultaneous equations and is suitable for instruments with computer
control. In addition, procedures are given for both single and double beam instruments.

7.2 Principle
A known volume of produced water is acidified with hydrochloric acid and extracted with
tetrachloroethylene (TTCE). The extract is eluted through a chromatographic column packed
with an activated magnesium silicate to remove polar material, and magnesium sulphate to
remove traces of moisture.

The treated extract is placed in a 10 mm silica infra-red (IR) cell and the absorbances of the
peaks at 3030 cm-1, 2960 cm-1 and 2930 cm-1 are measured in a scanning infra-red
spectrometer. These absorbance values are used to calculate the oil content of the produced
water sample.

34
Note 2: The absorbance of the peak at 3030 cm -1 measures aromatic or alkenic C-H stretch, the absorbance of the
peak at 2960 cm -1 measures CH2-H/methyl C-H stretch and the absorbance of the peak at 2930 cm -1 measures
CH-H/methylene C-H stretch.

7.3 Reagents
7.3.1 During the analysis, unless otherwise stated, use only reagents of recognized analytical
reagent grade and only water conforming to grade 3 of ISO 3696.

7.3.2 Hydrochloric acid, HCl, concentrated [35.4% (m/m)].

7.3.3 Sodium chloride, NaCl

7.3.4 Magnesium sulphate MgSO4, dried for 4 hours at 500C, cooled to 200C in a furnace
and then placed in a desiccator and cooled to room temperature.

7.3.5 Column packing, an activated magnesium silicate of 250 m diameter to 500 m

diameter (30 mesh to 60 mesh) dried for 4 hours at 500C, cooled to 200C in a furnace
and then placed in a desiccator and cooled to room temperature.

Note 3: Florisil has been found to be satisfactory

Florisil is an example of a suitable product available commercially. This information is given for the
convenience of users of this standard and does not constitute an endorsement by DECC of this product.

7.3.6 Tetrachloroethylene (TTCE), the solvent used must be free from contaminants, which
may interfere with infrared absorption at the wavelengths used. Alkyl phenol stabilised
TTCE solvent is recommended.

7.4 Calibration Reagents

7.4.1 Toluene

7.4.2 Hexadecane

7.4.3 2,6,10,14-Tetramethylpentadecane (TMPD)

7.5 Preparation of stock solutions

Prepare nominal 200mg/l stock solutions in TTCE of each of the calibration reagents by
weighing 0.20g of each of the calibration chemicals to the nearest 0.1 mg into separate
1L flasks (7.6.8). Dilute to the mark with TTCE and record the exact concentration to the
nearest 0.1 mg/l on the flask.

7.6 Apparatus
7.6.1 Chromatography column, nominal diameter of 12 mm to 25 mm, and nominal length 100
mm.

7.6.2 Magnetic stirrer and follower, approximately 25 mm in length.

35
7.6.3 Separating funnel, nominal capacity 500 ml.

7.6.4 Measuring cylinder, 50 ml capacity.

7.6.5 Infra-red spectrophotometer, dispersive type or Fourier transform type, covering the
range 4000 cm-1 to 2500 cm-1, with a dedicated computer for data manipulation.

7.6.6 Silica cells, matched IR grade 10 mm.

7.6.7 Stoppered glass conical flasks, nominal capacity 50 ml.

7.6.8 Volumetric flasks, one mark 500 ml and 50 ml capacities, conforming to class A of ISO
1042

7.6.9 Burette, 50 ml capacity, confirming to class A of ISO 385.

7.6.10 Graduated pipettes, conforming to class 1 of ISO 835. 10 ml, 30 ml and 50 ml capacity.

7.6.11 Analytical balance, with a weighing accuracy of 0.1 mg.

7.7 Sampling
Refer to Section 5.7 of this document for details regarding sampling & sample treatment.

Note: If oil concentration is expected to be very low, then sample volume may be increased to
1000ml to compensate for the additional solvent volume used.

Note: Produced water samples analysed by the DECC Triple Peak Method must not be
sparged to remove volatile hydrocarbons prior to sample analysis since this will remove a
significant portion of the total hydrocarbons (dissolved and dispersed oil) in the produced
water sample.

7.8 Preparation of the chromatographic column

Fill the chromatography column (7.6.1), to almost capacity, with TTCE. Add column packing
(7.3.5) to the column to a depth of approximately 30 mm. Add magnesium sulphate (7.3.4) to
the column to a depth of 10 mm above the column packing. Drain the TTCE from the column
until it is approximately 2 mm above the magnesium sulphate layer. Ensure that the column
packing remains under TTCE throughout its use.

7.9 Infra-red spectrometer calibration

Set up the infra-red spectrometer in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Follow
the procedure given in annex B.

Note 4: The calibration method involves solving the factors of three simultaneous equations, using the three
calibration standards (7.5) individually, in accordance with annex B. The method can be performed on any type of
infra-red spectrometer but the calibration method set up for a given spectrometer should be used only with that
spectrometer

36
7.10 Procedure
7.10.1 Preparation of TTCE extract

7.10.1.1 Add approximately 2.5 ml of hydrochloric acid if the sample has not already been
acidified and 100 ml of TTCE to the effluent in the sample container. Insert a magnetic
follower and place onto the magnetic stirrer and stir for 30 min1 min at approximately
1500 rev/min.

7.10.1.2 Elute approximately 50 ml of fresh TTCE through the column and collect in a stoppered
conical flask for use as a blank. Drain the TTCE from the column until it is
approximately 2 mm above the column packing.

7.10.1.3 Decant the contents of the sample container into a 500 ml separating funnel. Allow to
settle and run off the TTCE extract layer into a clean glass beaker.

7.10.1.4 Elute two portions of approximately 25mls of TTCE extract through the packed column,
draining to within 2mm of the packing column after each elution. Discard the eluents.

7.10.1.5 Elute approximately 50ml of TTCE extract through the packed column and collect the
treated extract into a 50 ml glass stoppered conical flask..

7.10.1.6 Drain off the water to a 500 ml measure cylinder, and read the volume to the nearest
2.5 ml.

7.10.2 Acquisition of spectral data for a single beam instrument

Fill one of the 10 mm silica cells (7.6.6) with TTCE blank (see 7.10.1.2). Place the cell in the
beam of the spectrometer and scan to cover the range 3400cm -1 to 2600 cm-1. Ensure that the
instrument conditions are the same as those when producing data for the calibration graph.
Either record the spectrum of the blank or set the instrument to deduct the spectrum of the
blank from the spectra of the following samples.

Remove the cell, empty and dry with clean dry air. Fill the cell with the TTCE extract (see
7.10.1.5). Place the cell in the beam of the spectrometer and scan over the range 3400cm -1 to
2600 cm-1 to obtain either the direct spectrum of the extract, from which the spectrum of the
blank is deducted, or the spectrum of the extract after the automatic deduction of the spectrum
of the blank.

7.10.3 Acquisition of spectral data for a double beam instrument

Fill one of the 10 mm matched pair silica cells (7.6.6) with the TTCE to be used as a blank (see
7.10.1.2). Place the cell in the reference beam of the spectrometer. Fill the other 10 mm silica
cell with TTCE extract (7.10.1.5). Place the cell in the sample beam and scan over the range
3400cm-1 to 2600 cm-1.

7.11 Calculation of oil content

Calculate the oil content of the sample in accordance with Annex C.

37
7.12 Expression of results
Report the oil content of the effluent to the nearest 0.1 mg/l

38
7.13 Annex B (Normative)

Method of calibration and calculation by solving simultaneous equations using

instruments with computer control

B.1 Calibration
B.1.1 Acquisition of spectral data for a single beam instrument
Fill one of the 10 mm silica cells with the TTCE to be used as a blank. Place the cell in the
beam of the spectrometer and scan to cover the range 3400cm -1 to 2600 cm-1. Either record
the spectrum of the blank or set the instrument to deduct the spectrum of the blank from the
spectrum of following samples.

Remove and empty the cell. Dry the cell using clean dry air and the fill sequentially with the
nominal 200 mg/l toluene, hexadecane and 2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadecane calibration
standards, washing the cell by filling with TTCE at least three times and drying using clean dry
air, between each standard. Place cell in the beam of the spectrometer and scan to obtain
either the direct spectrum of the standard, from which the spectrum of the blank is deducted, or
the spectrum of the standard after automatic deduction of the spectrum of the blank.

B.1.2 Acquisition of spectral data for a double beam instrument

Fill one of the 10 mm matched pair silica cells with the TTCE to be used as a blank. Place the
cell in the reference beam of the spectrometer. Fill the other 10 mm silica cell with one of the
calibration standards, place the cell in the sample beam and scan over the range 3400cm -1 to
2600 cm-1. Empty and wash the sample cell in accordance with B.1.1 and repeat the procedures
for the other two calibration standards.

B.1.3 Spectral measurements

Make measurements using spectra in absorbance mode. Measure the absorbance at 2930 cm -
1, 2960 cm-1 and 3030 cm-1 for each of the three stock solutions. Calculate the factors for the

instrument by solving the following simultaneous equations for each standard, arising from the
following equation:

C [ X ( A2930 )] [Y ( A2960 )] [ Z ( A3030 A2930 / F )]

Where

C is the concentration of the hydrocarbons in the calibration standard;

A2930, A2960 and A3030 are the absorbance at 2930 cm-1, 2960 cm-1 and 3030 cm-1 respectively;
F is A2930/A3030 for hexadecane standard.

39
For the hexadecane standard the Z term is zero and for the TMPD standard the Z term can be
assumed to be zero. Thus the three simultaneous equations become:

Ctoluene [ X ( A2930,toluene )] [Y ( A2960,toluene )] [ Z ( A3030,toluene A2930,toluene / F )]

CTMPD [ X ( A2930,TMPD )] [Y ( A2960,TMPD )]
Chexadecane [ X ( A2930, hexadecane )] [Y ( A2960, hexadecane)]
Where

Ctoluene, CTMPD and Chexadecane are the exact concentrations of the stock solutions. (see 7.4.1,
7.4.2 and 7.4.3)

Solve for the factors X, Y, Z

If the standards are too concentrated for the instrument, re-run using 50 mg/l standards made
up from the nominal 200 mg/l standards suitably diluted with TTCE.

B.2 Calculation
Calculate the oil content of the sample, CTotal, in milligrams per litre, using the following
equation.

10vD
CTotal {[ X ( A2930 )] [Y ( A2960 )] [ Z ( A3030 A2930 / F )]}
VL
Where

X, Y and Z are factors calculated in accordance with A.1.3;

V is the volume of produced water sample (see 7.10.1.6), in millilitres;
D is the dilution factor (if the sample is not diluted, D=1, see note 5 below);
v is the volume of TTCE used to extract the produced water sample, in millilitres;
A is the absorbance at the specified frequencies;
F is A2930/A3030 for hexadecane standard;
L is the cell path length, in millimetres.

Note 5: If the oil content if found to be greater than 25 mg/l it is recommended that a duplicate sample is tested and
original TTCE extract diluted 50:50 with TTCE used as the blank and the result doubled.

40
B.3 Procedures to obtain aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons
Use the following equations to calculate aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons:

10vD
C aliphatic {[ X ( A2930 )] [Y ( A2960 )]}
VL

Caromatic Ctotal Caliphatic

41
7.14 Annex C
Procedure for Calibration Check and Analysis

These analyses can be carried out either onshore or offshore.

C.1 Apparatus see Section 7.6

C.2 Reagents see Section 7.4

C.3 Sampling and Extraction see Section 7.7 & 7.10

C.4 Infra-Red Spectroscopy

C4.1 Prepare the infra-red spectrophotometer according to manufacturer's instructions.

C4.2 The solvent should be tested for purity prior to use. It is also recommended that a
purity test be carried out regularly in order to detect possible contamination of the
solvent from external sources, particularly when different batch numbers are
supplied.

C4.3 Carefully rinse with solvent the outside and inside surfaces of the photometric
cells used for sample and blank. Fill the sample cell with the solvent and place
the cell in the light path of the photometer with the empty blank cell as a reference.
Record a spectrum between about 3,200 - 2,700cm-1. The absorption peak at
2930cm-1 should not exceed 1 per cent unit. If it is in excess of this, the solvent
should be rejected since ideally there should be a straight baseline without peaks.

C4.4 Prepare a calibration plot of net absorbance vs. mg of oil per litre of sample using
the response of the standards.

C4.5 Rinse a cell with two volumes of the solution to be measured; then completely fill
the cell with solution. Place a matched cell containing the solvent used in the
reference beam.

C4.6 Scan samples and standards from 3,200 cm-1 to 2,700 cm-1.

Note: Single beam and non-scanning spectrophotometers can be used for this test.
Follow manufacturer's instructions and measure the absorbance directly at or near
2,930cm-1.

42
 C4.7 Construct a straight baseline under the hydrocarbon band as illustrated in Figure
1. If the scan is recorded on absorbance paper, read the absorbance of the peak
maximum at 2,930 cm-1 and subtract the absorbance of the baseline at that point.
If the scan is recorded on transmittance paper, the net absorbance is:

% T (baseline)
Log ------------------------
% T (peak maximum)

C4.8 If the net absorbance of a sample exceeds 0.8 of the linear range of the
instrument as determined by the calibration plot, prepare a dilution of the sample
by pipetting an appropriate volume of the extract into a volumetric flask and
diluting to volume. If the absorbance is less than 0.1, more accurate results can
be obtained by using a longer path-length cell.

C5. Calculation and Results

C5.1 Using the calibration plot, determine the oil concentration in the sample. The
calibration should give the concentration in mg/l of sample.

C5.2 The analytical method assumes a standard volume of sample of 500 ml.

mg oil/l sample = mg/l (from B2 & B3) x Standard Volume

Actual Volume

C5.3 Report results to nearest 0.1 mg/l for levels below 100 mg/l.

43
 Figure 1

2920 0.377572 2700 0.020893

2900 0.183231 Absorbance Spectrum
2880 0.217 5.23E-05base
(illustrating -0.12407
line construction)
2860 0.105196
0
2840 0.048529
2820 0.047
2800 0.03
2780 0.02
2760 0.017989
2740 0.019953 2
0.1
2720 0.018197
2700 0.020893

0.2
Absorbance

0.3

0.4

0.5
3300 3200 3100 3000 2900 2800 2700 2600

Wavenumber (/cm)

44
8 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE OSPAR REFERENCE METHOD

8.1 Introduction
OSPAR has published a document entitled Oil in Produced Water Analysis Revised
Guideline on Criteria for Alternative Methods Acceptance and General Guidelines on
Sample Taking and Handling OSPAR Agreement 2006-6. The UK guidance draws
upon much of the content of the OSPAR document, as well as findings from Round
Robin tests carried out in the UK. There may be some slight differences between the two
documents since the OSPAR document has to be suitable for use in all OSPAR
countries and this document is specific for use in the UK only. In the first instance, this
document should be used but if any doubt or confusion arises then DECC should be
contacted for clarification.

The new reference method requires the use of a gas chromatograph equipped with a
flame ionisation detector and requires the use of n-pentane as an extraction solvent.
Note that n-pentane is a highly flammable solvent with a low boiling point. Use of this
solvent offshore is subject to offshore health and safety legislation.

The following points should be considered if it is intended to directly implement the

OSPAR Reference Method offshore:

(a) cost and complexity of GC-FID equipment;

(b) cost of specialist laboratory personnel;
(c) level of equipment maintenance;
(d) time taken to report official analysis results;
(e) no need to transport samples to shore for OSPAR Method; and
(f) no need to establish correlation graph for OSPAR Method.

If an operator wishes to implement the OSPAR Reference Method directly offshore,

DECC would welcome such an initiative.

Some operators may prefer to use a simpler analysis method offshore that has already
been correlated against the OSPAR Reference Method in an onshore laboratory.
Therefore, the DECC IR analysis method (or other analysis methods) may be accepted
as an alternative analysis method but only if it is correlated against the OSPAR
Reference Method.

8.2 Using the OSPAR Reference Method directly offshore

Operators who intend to use the OSPAR Reference Method directly to analyse produced
water samples for dispersed oil must closely follow the procedure in the method as given
in section 8 of this document.

DECC is not responsible for the technical correctness of the OSPAR Reference Method
or the content of its associated guidance notes. If errors are noted or there are queries
regarding the OSPAR Reference Method or its associated guidance notes, DECC will be
45
 happy to note such queries and pass them onto the relevant competent authority. In
certain instances an addendum (specific to the UK) may be compiled to summarise any
recommended changes to the official method. Analysts are advised to check the DECC
website periodically in order to capture any updated guidance. All correspondence must
take place through the offshore.inspectorate@decc.gsi.gov.uk mailbox.

Onshore laboratories involved in calibrating alternative methods will need to closely

follow the OSPAR Reference Method detailed in section 8 & 9 of this document and they
will also need to validate the method by checking parameters such as linearity,
sensitivity, discrimination, etc. The validation process and calibration checks will have to
be documented so that they can be inspected by DECC upon request. Onshore
laboratories should note that DECC reserves the right to carry out periodic inspections of
their in-house method in order to ensure that the OSPAR Reference method is being
implemented correctly.

8.3 Use of alternative oil in water analysis methods to the OSPAR Reference Method
8.3.1 Acceptance criteria for alternative analysis methods
For an alternative analysis method to be accepted, DECC must be satisfied that the
alternative method will produce results statistically equivalent to the OSPAR Reference
Method.

8.3.2 Methodologies to demonstrate equivalent results

For analysis of dispersed oil in water concentrations using an alternative analysis
method, the establishment of a valid correlation between the alternative method and the
OSPAR Reference Method by using linear regression is required.

As of the 1 January 2007 only the OSPAR Reference Method is used to determine the
reportable value of the dispersed oil content of produced water. Any analysis results for
produced water obtained by alternative analysis methods must not be reported directly to
DECC or through EEMS, but must be first correlated against the OSPAR Reference
Method before being reported.

If it has been decided to use an alternative analysis method offshore, it is mandatory to

establish a correlation between the alternative method and the OSPAR Reference
Method. It is also mandatory to demonstrate the validity of the correlation over time in a
way that can be accepted by DECC.

8.4 General approach on how to correlate an alternative analysis method

When considering the use of alternative oil in water analysis methods in conjunction with
the OSPAR Reference Method, there are two variations on a method that can be used.
There is not necessarily one best method and care must be taken by analysts to select
the most appropriate method for each individual situation.

Note: Methods A1 & A2 previously proposed, which involved correlation of duplicate samples
analysed by both IR and the OSPAR reference method, and described in earlier versions
of this document, have now been removed, as there are no operators in the UK taking

46
 this approach. The previous Methods B1 & B2 are now referred to as Method A1 & A2
respectively in this document. If operators wish to use the previous Method A1 or A2
approach they can refer to OSPAR Agreement 2006-6 guidance on the OSPAR website
at http://www.ospar.org/ and/or discuss this with DECC.

8.4.1 Method A1 - Correlation using laboratory prepared standard oil in water solutions
when the alternative analysis method uses a solvent other than n-pentane.

8.4.2 Generation of Correlation Graph

Using this method, a standard oil in water stock solution is prepared in the laboratory and
used to generate a series of standard solutions.

8.4.3 Correlation standards preparation

(a) Select an alternative oil in water analysis method that is likely to yield a linear
response and procure the appropriate bench top analyser / instrument.
(b) Calibrate the analyser according to the manufacturers instructions. Note that this
can be carried out either offshore or onshore.
(c) If an instrument is calibrated onshore and shipped offshore, two standard
solutions (at 20% and 80% of the instrument range) used in the generation of the
original calibration graph must be analysed offshore and the analysis results must
lie within 95% of the calibration graph confidence intervals to confirm that the
calibration graph is still valid following shipment.
(d) Procedures specified in the DECC IR method (see section 6) on how to prepare
standard solutions from a stock solution should be used. Note that two stock
solutions (and two series of correlation standard solutions) will have to be
generated since two different solvents will be used.
(e) Fresh, crude oil samples that are representative of the blend of produced waters
being treated should be selected for use.
(f) Six or more correlation standard solutions covering a concentration range from 0-
80 mg/l or other specified concentration range (see 6.5.10(c)) should be prepared
from the standard stock solution by using the specified back extraction technique.
The concentrations of the correlation standards should be evenly spaced.
(g) The correlation standards used may be the same standards as used to calibrate
the IR instrument, but must be remeasured using the new calibration graph.
(h) Preparation of standards by direct injection of oil into the solvent is not permitted.
Where use of a balance is unavailable e.g. due to vessel movement, crude oil
density can be used to determine the mass of oil from a volume of oil used in the
stock solution. Under certain circumstances (e.g. limited laboratory facilities) this
procedure may be acceptable but it would require the consent of the appropriate
DECC Environmental Inspector.
(i) If it is intended to use a blank sample in the correlation graph e.g. as one of the six
standards, this should be prepared as per (d) above. It is not acceptable to
include a 0,0 data result (origin) unless this is the experimentally obtained result.

47
 (j) Should the best fit line of the correlation graph result in low absorbance or IR
readings producing negative oil in water concentrations, then negative correlated
results should be reported as zero.
(k) The correlation standard solutions must be stored in a fridge (4C to 8C) and kept
tightly sealed when not in use. Standard solutions should not be kept for longer
than six months.
(l) A portion of each of the calibration standard solutions must accompany the
calibrated alternative instrument offshore.

8.4.4 Validation, re-calibration and re-correlation requirements

Note: As a change to the previous guidance notes, the monthly validation check is to be
carried out on the IR calibration graph, not the IR : GC correlation graph.

(a) Validation must be carried out once per calendar month following generation of a
new calibration graph. It is not necessary to validate the calibration graph the
month it is generated. Validation can be achieved by analysing one of the
calibration standard solutions by the appropriate analysis method.
(b) The corresponding result is checked against the original IR calibration graph and if
the result lies within the 95% confidence intervals, the calibration is considered to
be valid.
(c) If the result lies outside the 95% confidence intervals, a second sample should be
analysed by the appropriate analysis method.
(d) If the second result lies inside the 95% confidence intervals, the calibration is
considered to be valid.
(e) If the second result lies outside the 95% confidence intervals, then a new
calibration graph, and correlation graph must be prepared using fresh standards. If
possible, system checks on the instrument should also be carried out to determine
if the instrument is still functioning correctly.
(f) Whilst waiting for all validation test results, analysts are required to use the current
calibration & correlation graphs.
(g) Where a calibration or correlation graph cannot be established, or there are
circumstances that prevent a calibration or correlation graph being prepared,
produced water samples must be taken and shipped to shore for analysis by the
OSPAR Reference Method (GC-FID) within seven (7) days of the sample being
collected, or samples refrigerated until a replacement instrument can be shipped
offshore and calibrated. and the samples analysed. In this case, a DECC
Environmental Inspector must be immediately notified.
(h) A new IR calibration or correlation graph must be prepared if there have been
notable changes in the make up of the discharged produced water. This may be
caused by, for example, new wells coming on stream. If in doubt, contact a DECC
Environmental Inspector.
(i) New calibration & correlation graphs should be implemented and made available
to offshore personnel as soon as possible and certainly before expiry of existing
graphs. Failure to maintain valid calibration and correlation graphs must be
reported to DECC as an OPPC non-compliance.

48
 (j) A check on the equation of the correlation line for each new 6-monthly correlation
graph generated should give no more than a 20% difference in the correlated GC
result from the previous 6-monthly correlation graph for a given alternative
analysis method result (mg/l) unless there has been a significant change in the
make up of the oil in the produced water. If a change greater than 20% is found, it
should be determined whether there has been a significant change in the make up
of the oil in produced water and if not, a DECC Environmental Inspector must be
notified.
(k) A calibration check must be carried out if the alternative instrument has been
serviced, damaged, repaired or interfered with (see 8.4.3(c)). If the results do not
fall within the 95% confidence interval, then a new calibration graph must be
established.
(l) Calibration and system checks for the instrument used in the alternative oil in
water analysis method must be carried out in accordance with either the
manufacturers instructions or recommended analysis methods.
(m) The results of all validations must be recorded and made available to the
department on request. If possible, these results should be held offshore.

8.5 Method A2 Correlation using laboratory prepared standard oil in water solutions
when the alternative analysis method uses n-pentane as the solvent
(a) Some alternative analysis methods utilise n-pentane as the solvent to extract oil
from the sample solution. If the extraction procedure follows the steps of the
OSPAR Reference Method (excluding the addition of any internal standard), the
need for calibration of the alternative method is reduced to doing a correlation
study between instruments/methods.
(b) If using Method A2, Method A1 should be followed, substituting the word n-
pentane for the word solvent. Only one set of calibration standards need be
prepared when using Method A2 and care should be taken to ensure that there is
sufficient volume of the calibration standards available to permit calibration
analysis and monthly validations for the alternative method. Care should be taken
to analyse the samples as quickly as possible and to prevent loss of solvent if
transporting the samples to shore.

Summary Table of Calibration / Correlation Requirements

Requirement Frequency # of Standards /

Samples

Alternative Instrument 6 Monthly 6

Calibration (e.g. IR)

Correlation Graph 6 Monthly 12 (six IR & 6 GC)

Calibration Graph Validation Monthly Check 1 sample

Bi-Annual Samples 6 Monthly See Section 11

49
8.6 Dealing with alternative method analyser instrument breakdown
(a) If the offshore alternative analyser currently in use fails, availability of a back-up or
replacement analyser within 48 hours is essential as measurement of oil in
produced water is a requirement for OPPC regulatory compliance.
(b) Note that alternative analysers can be calibrated either onshore or offshore using
the existing calibration standards, and correlated to the OSPAR Reference
Method in the same manner as the original instrument. Details of the analyser
breakdown and change of instrument must be recorded in the oil in water logbook.
(c) While availability of the newly calibrated/correlated alternative analyser is awaited,
if coming from onshore, produced water samples should be taken on a daily basis
in line with the oil discharge permit conditions and preserved as per 5.7. These
samples should be analysed as soon as the newly calibrated/correlated alternative
analyser is available, which should be no longer than seven (7) days from
sampling. In this instance, the appropriate DECC Environmental Inspector should
be contacted.
(d) If a pollution event or suspected pollution event occurs before the replacement
analyser arrives, DECC must be notified immediately by the submission of a
PON1 or OPPC Non-Compliance form giving an estimate of the discharge.
Samples must also be collected at the time of the event and preserved as per 5.7.
The PON1 or OPPC non-compliance form can then be updated or retracted
depending upon subsequent analysis of the preserved samples.

8.7 General correlation issues covering methods A1 & A2.

8.7.1 Preparation of correlation graphs and statistical analysis
Preparing correlation graphs and interpreting statistical analysis results can be difficult
and often there is more than one correct way of doing this. It is intended that this
document adhere to the best practice as outlined in the document Preparation of
Calibration Curves - A Guide to Best Practice which has been published by the
Laboratory of the Government Chemist (LGC) [3]. The LGC document sets out in a user
friendly fashion the best ways of constructing calibration/correlation graphs and how best
to use statistical analysis in the preparation of graphs.

8.7.2 Labelling of axis

The X-axis will normally be the OSPAR Reference Method and is assumed to represent
the true dispersed oil in water content.

8.7.3 Straight line graphs

Responses of GC instruments and instruments used in alternative analysis methods are
expected to be linear within the concentration range of 0-80mg/l, or other specified
concentration range. It is therefore necessary that a positive, straight-line correlation
graph be constructed when correlating an alternative method against the OSPAR
Reference Method.

8.7.4 Correlation graph going through the origin

The correlation line must not be forced through the origin.

50
8.7.5 Reporting of oil in water values to the DECC
It is important that the correct oil in water values be reported to DECC. Reporting of oil in
water values should always be in terms of the OSPAR Reference Method and not in
terms of an alternative analysis method.

8.7.6 Use of Accredited Laboratories

It is no longer a requirement that onshore laboratories carrying out oil in water analysis
by the OSPAR reference method be UKAS (ISO17025) accredited, though it is
encouraged. It is recommended that onshore laboratories work to the requirements of
ISO17025 or GLP standards. Furthermore, operators who should all have an EMS in
place, must assure themselves of the quality of work being carried out by contract
laboratories on their behalf. Laboratories which, prior to 1 January 2010, have not carried
out analysis by the OSPAR Reference method or correlation activities for offshore
operators are required to contact DECC to advise them of their intention to do so.

8.7.7 Other correlation procedures

Other correlation procedures may be considered if it can be demonstrated that a valid
correlation between the alternative method and the OSPAR Reference Method can be
established. However, under normal circumstances DECC would expect Methods A1 &
A2 listed above to be more than adequate.

51
9 OSPAR REFERENCE METHOD (ISO 9377-2 As Modified by
OSPAR)

Note:

This method has been downloaded from the OSPAR website (www.ospar.org). It is inserted here only for
convenience. Whilst DECC does not assume any responsibility for errors contained within this method, it will
forward any errors or comments to the relevant OSPAR contact. Please send any feedback to the
offshore.inspectorate@decc.gsi.gov.uk mailbox.

Please note that the page number on the content page of the original document has been omitted, as they are no
longer valid in this document. Anyone who wishes to obtain a copy of the method in the original OSPAR format
should visit the OSPAR website as listed above.

52
10 OSPAR Reference Method of Analysis for the Determination
of the Dispersed Oil Content in Produced Water (Reference
number: 2005-15)

Contents Page

1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Term and definition
4 Interferences
5 Principle
6 Reagents
7 Apparatus
8 Sampling and sample preservation
9 Procedure
10 Test report
11 Precision

Annex A (informative) Example of a column

Annex B (informative) Examples of gas chromatograms of mineral oil standard and water
samples

Annex C (informative) Determination of boiling range of a mineral oil from the gas
chromatogram

Bibliography

53
Determination of the content of dispersed mineral oil in produced water using gas
chromatography with flame-ionization detection

1. Scope
This document specifies the OSPAR reference method for the determination of the content of
dispersed mineral oil in water by means of gas chromatography. The method is designed for
produced water and other types of waste water discharged from gas, condensate and oil
platforms and allows the determination of the dispersed mineral oil content in concentrations
above 0.1 mg/l. The method is a modification of ISO 9377-2 in order to include the
determination of certain hydrocarbons with boiling points between 98C and 174C.

NOTE 1: The mass concentration of animal and vegetable fat in the test sample should not exceed 150 mg/l,
because at higher values the adsorption capacity of the clean-up column packing may not be sufficient.
NOTE 2: In the case of highly polluted waste water, especially if containing a high amount of surfactants, a loss in
recovery may occur.

2. Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions, which, through reference in this text,
constitute provisions of this document. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or
revisions of, any of these publications do not apply. However, parties to agreements based on
this document are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions
of the normative documents indicated below. For undated references, the latest edition of the
normative document referred to applies. Members of ISO and IEC maintain registers of
currently valid International Standards.

ISO 5667-3:2012, Water quality - Sampling - Part 3: Guidance on the preservation and handling of
samples.
ISO 8466-1:1990, Water quality - Calibration and evaluation of analytical methods and estimation of
performance characteristics - Part 1: Statistical evaluation of the linear calibration function.

3. Term and definition

For the purposes of this document, the following term and definition applies.

3.1 Dispersed mineral oil content by GC-FID

The sum of the concentrations of compounds extractable with n-pentane, not adsorbed on
Florisil and which may be chromatographed with retention times between those of n-heptane
(C7H16) and n-tetracontane (C40H82) excluding the concentrations of the aromatic hydrocarbons
toluene, ethyl benzene and the three isomers of xylene.

NOTE 3: Substances complying with this definition are long-chain or branched aliphatic, alicyclic, and (alkyl-
substituted) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, with boiling points between 98 and 525 C.

54
4. Interferences
Compounds of low polarity (e.g. halogenated hydrocarbons) and high concentrations of polar
substances may interfere with the determination. Surface-active substances may interfere with
the extraction step.

5. Principle
The water is extracted with n-pentane. Polar substances are removed by clean-up on Florisil.
The purified aliquot is analysed by capillary gas chromatography using a non-polar column and
a flame ionisation detector (FID). The total peak area between n-heptane and n-tetracontane is
measured. The peak areas of the aromatic hydrocarbons toluene, ethyl benzene and the three
isomers of xylene are subtracted from the total peak area. The concentration of mineral oil is
quantified against an external standard consisting of a mixture of two specified mineral oils, and
the content of dispersed mineral oil is calculated.

It should be investigated whether and to what extent particular problems will require the
specification of additional marginal conditions.

6. Reagents
All reagents shall be reagent grade and suitable for their specific purpose. The suitability of the
reagents and solutions shall be checked by carrying out a blank test.

6.1 Water for the preparation of solutions, distilled water, or water from a generator of
purified water capable of removing organic traces, for example using activated carbon,
shall be used.
6.2 n-Pentane, C5H12
6.3 Sodium sulfate, anhydrous, Na2SO4.
6.4 Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, MgSO4.7H2O.
6.5 Mineral acid, e.g. hydrochloric acid, c(HCl) = 12 mol/l ( = 1,19 g/ml).
6.6 Acetone, C3H6O
6.7 Florisil, grain size 150 m to 250 m (60 mesh to 100 mesh), heated to 140C for 16 h
and stored in a desiccator.
6.8 Mixture of mineral oils, Type A & Type B
Type A should show discrete peaks in the gas chromatogram. An example is diesel fuel
without any additives. See EN 590 for further information. Type B should have a boiling
range higher than that of type A and should have unresolved signals in the gas
chromatogram. An example of this type is a lubricant without any additives, boiling range
325C to 460C.

6.8.1 Standard1 mixture

1 Standards are available from

Fachgruppe 1.2
Bundesanstalt fur Materialforschung and -prfung

55
 Weigh accurately equal amounts of two different types (type A and type B, both
containing no additives) of mineral oil and add enough extraction solvent (6.11.2) to give
a total hydrocarbon concentration of about 10 mg/ml.

6.8.2 Calibration mixture

Prepare at least five different calibration solutions by diluting aliquots of standard mixture (6.8.1)
with the extraction solvent (6.11.2). The following concentrations may be suitable:

0 (blank), 0.2 mg/ml, 0.4 mg/ml, 0.6 mg/ml, 0.8 mg/ml and 1.0 mg/ml.

Higher concentrations may be advisable for other applications.

Store the calibration mixture tightly sealed in a refrigerator (4C to 8C). The calibration mixtures
are stable for up to six months.

6.8.3 Quality Control (QC) standard

Prepare a standard solution according to 6.8.1 in acetone (see 6.6) with a mass concentration
of e.g. 1 mg/ml. The exact concentration should be about a thousand times the desired
application range.

NOTE 4: When using a lubricant for QC, the stock solution is easily prepared in extracting agent (6.2), which is
further diluted in acetone about tenfold before spiking the QC water.

Store the solution tightly sealed in a refrigerator (4C to 8C). It is stable for up to six months.

6.9 Standard mixture of n-alkanes for system performance test

Dissolve n-alkanes with even carbon numbers (C20, C40 and at least three further n-alkanes) in
extracting agent (6.2) to give concentrations of approximately 50 g/ml of the individual
components. It may be necessary to use a different solvent, e.g. heptane, for the first solution;
in this case dilute this first solution with extracting agent (6.2).

Store the standard mixture tightly sealed in a refrigerator. It is stable for up to six months.

NOTE 5: This solution is used to verify the suitability of the gas chromatographic system for the resolution of
n-alkanes as well as for the detector response.

NOTE 6: This solution is used to give information on the retention times of the n-alkanes to characterize the
hydrocarbons in the sample.

Richard-Willsttter-Strasse 11

D-12489 Berlin, Germany

This information is given for the convenience of users of this document and does not constitute an endorsement by
OSPAR of these products.

56
6.10 Reference compounds
6.10.1 n-Heptane, C7H16

6.10.2 n-Tetracontane, C40H82

6.10.3 n-Eicosane, C20H42

6.10.4 Toluene, C7H8

6.10.5 Ethyl benzene, C8H10

6.10.6 o-Xylene, C8H10

6.10.7 m-Xylene, C8H10

6.10.8 p-Xylene, C8H10

6.11 Extraction solvent containing reference compounds

6.11.1 Extraction solvent stock solution
Dissolve 20 mg of n-tetracontane (6.10.2) in n-pentane (6.2). Then add 20 l of n-heptane
(6.10.1) and dilute with n-pentane to 1 000 ml.

Store the solution tightly sealed in a refrigerator. It is stable for up to six months.

NOTE 7: n-Tetracontane is only moderately soluble in n-pentane. Slight warming or treatment with ultrasonics
accelerates the dissolution process.

6.11.2 Extraction solvent standard solution

Immediately prior to use, dilute the stock solution (see 6.11.1) with tenfold extracting agent.

6.12 Stearyl stearate test solution, C36H72O2

Dissolve 200 mg of stearyl stearate in 100 ml of extraction solvent standard solution (6.11.2).

NOTE 8: This solution is used to check the efficiency of the clean-up procedure. Store the solution tightly sealed in
a refrigerator. It is stable for up to six months.

7. Apparatus
7.1 Usual laboratory glassware. Clean all glassware by the usual procedures for this type of
analysis and check for purity (measurement of blank). If necessary, rinse the glassware
with extracting agent (6.2) and re-check the blank.

7.2 Gas chromatograph, equipped with a non-discriminating injection system and a flame
ionization detector. The injection system shall allow injections up to a volume of at least
50 l.

7.3 Column for gas chromatography, fused silica, with one of the following stationary phases:
57
 non-polar, immobilized 100 % dimethylpolysiloxane, or 95 % dimethyl-/5 %
diphenylpolysiloxane, or modified siloxane polymer and typical dimensions:

length: 5 m to 30 m
internal diameter: 0.25 mm to 0.53 mm
film thickness: 0.25 m to 1.2 m

For an example, see annex B.

It is recommended to use a precolumn (e.g. 2 m, 0.53 mm i.d., deactivated fused silica).

7.4 Data system, suitable for integrating the total area of the gas chromatogram and suitable
for compensating for 'column bleeding' and for re-integrating after drawing a new
baseline.

7.5 Sampling bottles, glass, with ground glass stopper, capacity 250 ml and 1 000 ml, or with
screw cap, lined with PTFE (polytetrafluoroethene).

The sampling bottle shall allow direct extraction from the bottle.

7.6 Centrifuge.

7.7 Centrifuge tubes, of capacity 100 ml, with suitable (screw)cap.

7.8 Microseparator, or other suitable device for phase separation.

7.9 Clean-up columns, made from glass, with frit of sinter porosity 2, for example see Figure
A.1.

7.10 Magnetic stirrer with bar, of length suitable to ensure thorough mixing.

8. Sampling and sample preservation

Sampling and storage shall be in accordance with ISO 5667-3 and other OSPAR documents2.

Fill the sampling bottle (7.5) to approximately 90 % with the sample, seal tightly and weigh (m1).
Keep the sample at about 4C and extract the sample as soon as possible, but in any case
within four days.

If necessary, preserve the sample by acidifying with mineral acid (6.5) to pH 2.

2
OSPAR Agreement 2006-6: Oil in produced water analysis Guideline on criteria for alternative
method acceptance and general guidelines on sample taking and handling.

58
NOTE 9: If formation of emulsions or a concentration of animal and vegetable oils > 150 mg/l is expected; it is
advisable to withdraw additionally a smaller sample volume in a 250 ml sampling bottle.

9. Procedure
9.1 Blank test
Carry out blank tests with each series of tests in accordance with 9.3, including all reagents and
glassware in the same way as the samples.

9.2 Determination of the recovery

Determine the recovery at regular intervals, preferably in each series of tests, using 900 ml of
water (6.1) to which 1,0 ml of the QC standard (6.8.3) has been added. Perform the test starting
with 9.3 and calculate the recovery. Ensure that the recovery is between 80 % and 110 %

9.3 Extraction procedure

Cool the sample to about 10C, if necessary, to prevent losses of the extracting agent by
volatilization.

Acidify the sample to pH 2 by adding mineral acid (6.5), if this has not been done in the field
(see clause 8).

Add about 80 g of magnesium sulfate (6.4) per 900 ml of sample to avoid emulsions.

NOTE 10: The addition of magnesium sulfate is not necessary if samples are known not to form emulsions.

Add 50 ml of extraction solvent standard solution (6.11.2) and a magnetic stirrer bar, close the
bottle and stir vigorously for 30 min on the magnetic stirrer (7.10).

Remove the stopper and replace it by the micro separator (7.8).

Add enough water (6.1) to allow withdrawal of the extracting-agent layer from the micro
separator, transfer it to the clean-up column (7.9) and proceed according to 9.4.

When transferring the organic phase to the clean-up column, take care to avoid the transfer of
water, as this will incrust the surface of the sodium sulfate. It is recommended to transfer the
organic layer in several steps using a pipette, or, when using the micro separator (7.8) (Figure
A.2), to position the meniscus below the cock.

In the case of strong emulsions, centrifuge the extract as follows. Transfer the extracting-agent
phase together with the emulsion into a 100 ml centrifuge tube (7.7) and close the tube. Break
the emulsion by centrifuging the extract.

NOTE 11: Centrifugation for 10 min to 15 min is usually sufficient.

Extraction by shaking may be adequate, but verify the efficiency.

9.4 Clean-up procedure

59
Transfer the n-pentane phase (see 9.3) to a small column (see Figure A.1) filled with 2 g of
Florisil (6.7) and covered with a layer of 2 g of sodium sulfate (6.3).

NOTE Pre-rinsing of the column with a few milliliters of n-pentane (6.2) can be useful to
prevent the formation of channels.

Let the n-pentane phase (see 9.3), followed by an additional 10 ml of n-pentane (6.2), run
through the column into a 50 ml volumetric flask until the liquid reaches the 50 ml mark.

NOTE 12: Other procedures using the same amount of Florisil for cleaning the extract, e.g. shaking the total extract
with 2 g of Florisil during 30 min on a shaking apparatus, may be used as an alternative, provided the results are
equivalent to the column testing of Florisil (see 9.6).

9.5 Concentration
External apparatus for concentrating the purified n-pentane extract is not allowed. The gas
chromatograph (7.2) is equipped with an injection system that allows an injection of at least 50
l of n-pentane. Injection of 50 l is only required for low mineral oil contents, i.e. at levels near
the limit of determination. Depending on the range of concentrations normally measured, a
fixed injection volume, e.g. 25 or 50 l, shall be used both for the calibration and for the
measurements of the extracts.

Leave the empty sample bottle to drain for 5 min. Close the bottle with the cap used previously
and determine its mass (m2) to an accuracy of 1 g.

9.6 Suitability testing of Florisil

Check the suitability of Florisil at regular intervals and each time a new batch of dried Florisil is
used, as follows:

For this purpose, use a test solution of stearyl stearate (6.12) and a calibration solution of
mineral oils (6.8).

Perform the clean-up procedure (9.4) with 10 ml of the stearyl stearate solution, then add
extracting agent (6.11.2) to a volume of 25 ml. Transfer an aliquot of the purified solution to a
septum vial and analyze by gas chromatography (9.7). Measure the peak areas of stearyl
stearate after Florisil treatment. Dilute 0,5 ml of stearyl stearate solution with extracting agent
(6.11.2) to 25 ml and analyze by gas chromatography. Calculate the ratio of the peak areas for
stearyl stearate in the treated and in the untreated solutions. This ratio should be less than 1. If
not, activate the Florisil according to 6.7.

Perform the clean-up procedure (9.4) with 10 ml of 2 mg/ml calibration solution of mineral oils
(6.8), then add extraction solvent standard solution (6.11.2) to a volume of 25 ml. Transfer an
aliquot of the purified solution into a septum vial and analyze by gas chromatography.

Determine this mineral oil recovery on the basis of the peak area between C 10 to C40 in the
treated (with Florisil) and untreated calibration solutions. It should be at least 80 %. If this
criterion is not met, wash out the Florisil batch with ample water and activate the Florisil as

60
given in 6.7. If the repeated test shows again that the criterion is not met, try another batch of
Florisil with a different batch number.

9.7 Determination by gas chromatography

9.7.1 Adjusting the gas chromatograph
Select a capillary column with one of the stationary phases specified (see 7.3 and annex B) for
gas chromatographic analysis. Adjust the gas chromatograph until optimum separation is
obtained. The peaks in the gas chromatogram of the standard mixture of n-alkanes (6.9) shall
be baseline-separated. The relative response (peak area) of n-tetracontane (C40H82) compared
with n-eicosane (C20H42) should be at least 0,8. If not, the discrimination of the injection system
is too high and the injection system shall be optimized or replaced.

9.7.2 Calibration

9.7.2.1 General
For calibration a distinction is made between initial calibration, working calibration and checking
of the validity of the calibration curve. Initial calibration determines the working range and the
linearity of the calibration function according to ISO 8466-1. Perform this calibration when the
apparatus is used for the first time.

In the next step establish the final working range and perform the routine calibration. Repeat
this calibration after maintenance (e.g. replacement of the capillary column), after repair of the
gas chromatographic systems, and in case the system has not been in use for a longer period
of time, or if the validity criteria cannot be met. Check the validity of the initial calibration with
each series of samples to be analyzed.

Correct all chromatograms for column bleeding, for this purpose run blank chromatograms
(chromatograms with solvent only) and use these for baseline correction.

9.7.2.2 Initial calibration

Establish the preliminary working range by analyzing at least five dilutions of the calibration
standard mixture (6.8). Test for linearity in accordance with ISO 8466-1.

9.7.2.3 Routine calibration

After examining the final working range, analyze a minimum of five dilutions of the standard
calibration mixture (6.8). Calculate a calibration function by linear regression analysis of the
corrected peak areas. The actual sensitivity of the method may be estimated from the
calculated regression function.

9.7.2.4 Check of the validity of the calibration function

Check the validity of the calibration function from the routine calibration with each batch of
samples by analysis of one standard solution after every ten samples. The concentration of this
standard solution shall lie between 40 % and 80 % of the working range. Make sure that the
individual results do not deviate by more than 10 % of the working calibration line. If this
criterion is met, assume the calibration to be valid. If not, recalibrate in accordance with
9.7.2.3.
61
For large batches of samples the number of analyses of the standard solution may be reduced,
provided that at least three measurements are obtained for calculating the mean result.

9.7.3 Measurement
Measure the sample, the calibration solutions and the blank solution in the gas chromatograph.

At regular intervals record a gas chromatogram (blank chromatogram) by injecting extracting

agent (6.2) and analyze under the same conditions as for the sample. Use a chromatogram of
extracting agent to correct the areas of the chromatograms of the samples.

NOTE 13: An increase in "column bleeding" may indicate contamination of the injection system or the column.

9.7.4 Integration parameters

Integrate the gas chromatogram between n-heptane and n-tetracontane. Start the integration
just after the n-heptane peak at the signal level in front of the solvent peak (S in Figure B.3).
End the integration just before the beginning of the n-tetracontane peak on the same signal
level (E in Figure B.3).

Check all chromatograms visually to ensure correct integration. Draw a straight line from S to E.
Mark the beginning and end of the integration on the chromatogram.

Identify the peaks of the aromatic hydrocarbons toluene, ethyl benzene and the three isomers of
xylene. Integrate these peaks separately and subtract their peak areas from the total integrated
area.

NOTE 14: For examples of chromatograms, see annex B.

The presence of peaks between solvent peak and n-heptane indicates that the sample probably
contains low-boiling, volatile hydrocarbons.

Discrete peaks or an increased level of the baseline at the end of the chromatogram (retention
time greater than that of n-tetracontane) indicate that the sample probably contains
hydrocarbons with a high boiling point. This should be mentioned in the test report.

NOTE 15: The range of the carbon numbers of n-alkanes present in the sample is determined by comparing the
gas chromatogram of the sample extract with that of n-alkane standard solution (6.9). The corresponding boiling
range can be derived from annex C.

9.8 Calculation
Calculate the hydrocarbon oil index using the equation:

(Am-b) . f . V . w
= -------------------
a . (m1 - m2)

62
 where
is the content of dispersed mineral oil, in milligrams per liter;
a is the slope of calibration function, in liters per milligram;
Am is the integrated peak area of the sample extract, in instrument-dependent units;
f is any dilution factor of the sample extract;
m1 is the mass of the filled sampling bottle, in grams;
m2 is the mass of the empty sample bottle, in grams;
w is the density of the water sample, in grams per millilitre (for fresh water 1,00 g/ml may
be used);
V is the volume of the final extract, in milliliters;
b is the intercept of the y-axis in instrument-dependent units.

9.9 Expression of results

Express the concentration of mineral oil in water as hydrocarbon oil index, in milligrams per litre,
to two significant figures.

Examples
Dispersed mineral oil 15 mg/l
Dispersed mineral oil 2.9 mg/l

10. Test report

The test report shall refer to this document and contain the following details:

a) identity of the sample;

b) the content of dispersed mineral oil, in milligrams per liter;
c) any peculiarities observed during the test;
d) any actions not specified in this document, which may have influenced the result. In
addition, the following qualitative information can be provided in the test report:
e) the boiling range of the mineral oil detected on the basis of the relative retention time
versus the boiling point of the calibration mixture of n-alkanes;
f) any presence of volatile hydrocarbons;
g) any presence of hydrocarbons with a high boiling point.

11. Precision
At the moment precision and accuracy data from an interlaboratory trial are not available.

The instrumental part of this method has been checked in a small ring test.

Four laboratories in four countries (Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and the United
Kingdom) have analysed two standard solutions of hydrocarbons in the range C7 C40 with
different levels of toluene, ethyl benzene and xylenes. Each laboratory analysed the standards
in triplicate on two different days.

63
The results are given in Table 11.1, expressed as the ratio between the measured and the true
values

Table 11.1: Ring test results for the OSPAR reference method

Day Lab 1 Lab 2 Lab 3 Lab 4

Low TEX 1 0.95 1.01 0.98 1.21

Low TEX 2 0.93 1.01 0.87 1.09

High TEX 1 0.96 1.06 1.01 1.35

High TEX 2 0.92 1.02 0.90 1.13

In addition the laboratories were asked to determine also the content of mineral oil according to
ISO 9377-2, i.e. only the hydrocarbons in the range C10 C40. These results are given in table
11.2, expressed as the ratio between the measured and the true values.

Table 11.2: Ring test results for ISO 9377-2

Day Lab 1 Lab 2 Lab 3 Lab 4

Low TEX 1 0.97 1.04 1.06 1.31

Low TEX 2 0.93 1.03 0.93 1.18

High TEX 1 0.97 1.08 1.08 1.43

High TEX 2 0.91 1.04 0.96 1.19

The results of Lab 4 differ from the results of the other laboratories. Lab 4 did not use a large
volume injection system, resulting in a too low signal.

The results of the other three laboratories show that modification of ISO 9377-2 by extending
the range of hydrocarbons to C7 C40 and excluding the aromatic hydrocarbons toluene, ethyl
benzene and the isomers of xylene, have little or no effect compared to ISO 9377-2.

64
Annex A
(informative)

Example of a column and a micro separator

Dimensions in millimeters

Key
1 Glass bulb
2 Fritted glass filter

Figure A.1 Example of a column

65
Annex B
(informative)

Examples of gas chromatograms of mineral oil standard and water samples

The gas chromatograms have been recorded under the following conditions:

Injection technique: programmed temperature vaporization (PTV)

Injection temperature: 50 C to 300 C
Injection volume: 1 l
Column length: 30 m
Column internal diameter: 0.25 mm
Liquid phase: DB 5 MS
Film thickness: 0.25 m
Pre-column: deactivated fused silica capillary
Carrier gas: hydrogen
Carrier gas pressure: 0.8 bar
Oven temperature programme: 40 C for 5 min, 10 C/min to 300 C, 300 C for 20 min
Detector: flame ionization detector
Detector temperature: 300 C
Make-up gas: nitrogen
Make-up gas flow: 25 ml

66
Key
1 n-Heptane
2 n-Tetracontane

Figure B.1 Gas chromatogram of a standard solution (0.5 mg/l)

67
Key
1 n-Heptane
2 n-Tetracontane

Figure B.2 Gas chromatogram of a surface water contaminated with fuel oil

68
Key
1 n-Heptane
2 n-Tetracontane

Figure B.3 Gas chromatogram of a waste water

69
Key
1 n-Heptane
2 n-Tetracontane

Figure B.4 Gas chromatogram of a waste water contaminated with lubricating oil

70
Example of the instrumental conditions for the determination of dispersed oil in
produced water by gas chromatography

Apparatus and conditions

- Gas chromatograph: Trace GC 2000

- Precolumn: 10m * 0.53mm Fused silica coupled with
5m * 0.53mm * 0.5m CP-SIL 8CB
- Analytical column: CP-SIL 5CB (25m * 0.32mm * 0.4m)
- Carrier gas: Helium
- Flow rate: 3.0 ml/min (constant flow)
- Injection volume: 50 l
- Injection speed: 4 l/sec
- SVE time: 0.05 min
- Extraction liquid: n-pentane

Temperature programme

n-Heptane and benzene (if possible) shall be fully separated from the extraction solvent n-
pentane.
The following programme has been used:

Fig B.5 Temperature programme

71
Identification

Fig. B.6 Standard solution of BTEX

Solutions of individual BTEX-compounds have been used for allocation of retention times.

Fig B.7 Calibration mixture of Mineral Oil, including C7, C10 and C40 internal standards
(Calibration mixture from National Institute for Public Health and the Environment The Netherlands)

72
Fig B.8 Overlay of standard solution of BTEX and calibration mixture of Mineral Oil
including C7, C10 and C40 internal standards

73
Annex C
(informative)

Determination of boiling range of a mineral oil from the gas chromatogram

Table C.1 shows the boiling points of the n-alkanes containing between 2 and 44 carbon atoms
(up to and including C44). Using these boiling points, it is possible to determine the boiling range
of the mineral oil by comparing the gas chromatogram of the calibration mixture of n-alkanes
with that of the sample extract.

Table C.1 - Boiling points of n-alkanes

Number of carbon Boiling point Number of carbon Boiling point
atoms C atoms C
2 -89 23 380
3 -42 24 391
4 0 25 402

5 36 26 412
6 69 27 422
7 98 28 432

8 126 29 441
9 151 30 450
10 174 31 459

11 196 32 468
12 216 33 476
13 235 34 483

14 253 35 491
15 271 36 498
16 287 37 505

17 302 38 512
18 317 39 518
19 331 40 525

20 344 41 531
21 356 42 537
22 369 43 543
44 548
Bibliography
[1] EN 590:1998, Automotive fuels - Diesel - Requirements and methods of test.
[2] KVERNHEIM A.L. et al., Development of a new hydrocarbon index for oil-in-water.
Chemosphere, 39, 1999, pp. 2707-2722.

74
Annex D

UK Comments on the OSPAR Reference Method

While the OSPAR Reference Method is the standard to which laboratories must base their in
house method, it is recognised that the reference method has been implemented differently by
laboratories while still conforming to the principles of the reference method. The following
comments or recommendations are based upon discussions with laboratories who took part in
the DECC Round Robin and may provide information to allow laboratories to improve on their in
house methods.

Note: Numbered references below refer to the section number within the OSPAR Reference
method.

6 Reagents

6.8.1 Mixture of Mineral Oils, Type A & Type B

A variety of mineral oil mixtures are currently being used, some ready-made with 50:50
gravimetric concentrations and some gravimetrically prepared in house3. Either is acceptable.

Some labs are spiking the standard solution with individual TEX components so as to better
identify these peaks and remove them from the overall integration.

7 Apparatus

7.3 Column for Gas Chromatography

Columns typically used in the UK are:

25 or 30m length
0.32mm Internal diam.
0.25m, 0.4m or 0.52m film thickness

Pre-columns are not always used, but where they are 5m, 0.53mmID deactivated silica ones
are used.

3 In addition to details provided within the OSPAR method, Standards are also available from:

Chiron AS Sigma-Aldrich Company Ltd.

Stiklestadveien 1 The Old Brickyard
NO-7041 Trondheim New Road
Norway Gillingham
Dorset
SP8 4XT
UK
This information is given for the convenience of users of this document and does not constitute an endorsement by
DECC of these products.
75
7.8 Microseparator
The microseparator as shown previously in Figure A.2., Annex 2 of the Reference Method does
not work in the configuration shown and has been removed from this this document. Although
one UK laboratory has corrected the design of the microseparator to work, the majority of
laboratories decant the mixed solvent/water sample to a separating funnel and running off the
water. This is acceptable to DECC.

9.3 Extraction Procedure

The OSPAR method calls for 30 minute stirring using a magnetic stirrer, though no guidance on
stirring speed is provided. Laboratories have opted to set the stirring speed such that the vortex
reaches the bottom of the sample bottle as long as stirring is steady. Some laboratories
vigorously hand shake the sample bottle with pentane for 2 minutes. Either option is acceptable
to DECC, though there is some feedback from laboratories that vigorous hand shaking gives
higher recoveries than using a magnetic stirrer. Laboratories are required to demonstrate that
extraction efficiency is >90% for whichever method is taken.

Additionally, some labs are cooling samples prior to extraction, and during extraction to
minimise solvent / light end losses.

9.4 Clean-up Procedure

A variety of actions are being taken from use of clean-up columns as described to pre-charged
florisil cartridges to filter paper with florisil. There appears to be no impact on option chosen,
though use of a clean-up column or pre-charged florisil cartridges will ensure better contact
between the solvent and florisil. It should be ensured that the florisil used is activated.

9.7.4 Integration Parameters

Unlike normal gas chromatography where integration is typically from baseline to baseline, the
OSPAR reference method requires integration of the chromatogram in a different manner.

To be compliant with the OSPAR method, integration of the chromatogram, for both calibration
standards and samples, should be from just after the n-heptane peak and end at the start of the
n-tetracontane peak. Additionally, the integration must be at the signal level in front of the
solvent peak (pentane) and be at the same signal level when integration finishes just before the
beginning of the n-tetracontane peak.

Previously, Annex B of the OSPAR Method (and this document) showed a number of
chromatograms from the original ISO 9377 method used for C10 - C40 analysis, hence S
(solvent peak) is indicated incorrectly for the ISO 9377-2 mod method.

These chromatograms have now been adjusted for purposes of this document, to correctly
identify S as the heptane peak. Integration should start at the end of the heptane (C7) peak, at
the signal level before the pentane peak, and continue until the start of the n-tetracontane (C40)
peak, at the same signal level.

For removal of the TEX components from the chromatogram, the TEX peaks should be
assumed to extend to the baseline of the signal level before the pentane peak.

76
11 USE OF ONLINE OIL IN WATER ANALYSERS

11.1 Introduction
The use of online monitors for analysis of oil in produced water can offer many benefits
to operators of offshore oil and gas platforms. These include:

(a) Knowledge of the true extent of oil to sea discharges.

(b) Continuous process information on oil in produced water (as opposed to relying on
twice daily analysis results).
(c) The possibility of real time monitoring of discharged quantities of oil if linked to a
produced water volume meter.
(d) Reduction in the usage of, and analyst exposure to, solvents.
(e) Allowing an operator to spot process upsets quickly, therefore minimising oil to
sea pollution events.
(f) Reduction in sampling and analysis work for offshore laboratory personnel.

Should approval be sought for the installation of an online monitor for reporting purposes,
the following sections are intended to provide operators with guidance on what
information DECC requires. Other strategies may be acceptable but would be subject to
DECC approval.

11.2 General approach

A DECC approved alternative oil in water analysis method (see Section 6 and 7) must be
selected before an online monitor is fitted on an offshore installation.

11.2.1 Requirement for Calibrated Alternative Analyser

A calibrated bench top based alternative method that has been correlated against the
OSPAR Reference Method will be required when considering using an online monitor.
An alternative analysis method is needed for:

(a) Reporting / monitoring purposes whilst an online analyser is in the process of

being approved.
(b) Correlating the alternative method against the online monitor.
(c) Validating the performance of the online monitor.
(d) Use as a back-up system in case the online monitor breaks down or fails to
produce valid results.

11.2.2 Procedure for the implementation of an online monitor:

(a) Select and procure a suitable online monitor.
(b) Install the monitor in accordance with manufacturer and/or vendors instructions.
(c) Establish a correlation by analysing duplicate field samples by both the online
monitor and the calibrated alternative method.
(d) Check correlation on a weekly basis.
(e) Update correlation graph on a monthly basis.
(f) Collect and process data for reporting purposes.
77
11.3 Specific Issues
11.3.1 Installation
Online oil in water analysers should only be installed where they can be easily
accessed. It is important that where online systems require the installation of a probe
into the main produced water flow line, the location ensures that the probe is exposed to
representative flow conditions. If the online monitor is installed on a by-pass line, then
the length of the sampling line should be kept to a minimum (see also sections 5.2 &
5.3).

11.3.2 Sampling
It is important that there is an appropriate sampling device fitted so that parallel
produced water samples can be collected (see 5.2 & 5.9) and analysed by the
calibrated offshore alternative method. Taking samples from the sampling device must
not affect the online monitors performance / analysis in any way.

11.3.3 Correlation
Following the installation and commissioning of an online monitor, correlation using field
samples should be carried out. Refer to Appendix B as an example.

As a minimum, 10 correlation data points should be obtained over a discrete time

period, at least one hour apart. For each of the 10 data points, samples should be
taken in triplicate and analysed by the approved alternative method and an average
value obtained for each data point. The average alternative analysis value for each data
point is then compared to the average value that the online analyser reported over the
time period during which each set of triplicate samples were taken.

If possible, samples should be taken to cover the typical range of oil in water
concentration (0-40mg/l) and should be taken at a time when the process is expected to
be reasonably steady.

11.3.4 Construction of a correlation graph

A correlation graph is generated by plotting the average readings from the online
monitor against the average values from analysing the field samples using the approved
method. Linear regression is carried out on the data points with the 95% confidence
intervals calculated using a statistical software package.

A calibration graph with the 95% confidence intervals shown should then be printed out.
The online monitors serial number, the date of the calibration, correlation coefficients
and analysts signature must be noted on the graph.

11.3.5 Re-correlation requirements

Re-correlation will be required after the alternative analysis instrument has been
recalibrated. In addition, re-correlation is required if the online monitor has been
serviced, damaged, repaired or interfered with. Re-correlation is also required if
validation checks show this is required, as detailed in 10.3.6 below, or if there is a

78
 significant change in the composition of make-up of the discharged produced water
stream.

11.3.6 Validation
Validation of the online monitors performance should be carried out on a weekly basis.
This step is important as it gives an indication of any early drift or calibration problems.

A validation is carried out by taking three samples and analysing those using the
approved method. An average reading is then obtained from the online monitor during
the period when the corresponding samples were taken. The results are then plotted
onto the correlation graph. If the results are within the 95% confidence interval, then it
is acceptable to keep using the correlation graph. If not, another check must be carried
out and if the latest point is within the 95% confidence intervals, then it is acceptable to
keep using the correlation graph. If the latest point is outside the 95% confidence
intervals, a new correlation graph must be established.

11.3.7 Monthly correlation graph update

At the end of each calendar month, a new correlation graph should be constructed by
adding the latest validation data points to the original correlation data points and
establishing new 95% confidence intervals. The reason for doing this is that over a
period of time the correlation graph will cover a reasonably wide concentration range
and it also partially addresses the issue of correlation graph validity against time.

11.3.8 Approval from DECC

Although it is expected that in the majority of cases, online analysers would be used for
process monitoring, following the successful generation of a correlation graph, the
operator may wish to seek formal approval from DECC to report oil in water figures
obtained from an on-line monitor in lieu of manual sampling and analysis methods.
Such approval will be granted on a case-by-case basis. Before an online monitor is
approved by DECC, oil in water sampling and analysis should continue using the
approved alternative method or OSPAR Reference Method until the reporting of data
from the online monitor is deemed reliable by DECC.

11.3.9 Reporting of oil in water data from an online monitor

Online monitors gather data continuously. It is important that an accurate monthly
average dispersed oil in water figure can be calculated. The oil in water figures
reported to DECC must be in terms of the OSPAR Reference Method.

Day to day oil in water calculations may be complicated by the fact that it is the
alternative analysis method that has been correlated against the OSPAR Reference
Method and not the online monitor. In this instance it will be necessary to obtain (i) the
oil in water concentration in terms of the alternative method using the online analyser /
alternative analyser correlation graph, and (ii) the oil in water concentration in terms of
the OSPAR Reference Method using the alternative analyser / GC-FID analyser
correlation graph.

79
 It is important to note that oil in water values greater than 100mg/l must be reported to
DECC by submitting a PON1 or OPPC non-compliance form. An online analyser may
record many values above 100mg/l during, for example, during ongoing periods of
process plant upsets. Therefore, if an on-line analyser is used by an operator for
reporting purposes, an agreement should be reached with DECC regarding reporting of
produced water values exceeding 100mg/l.

11.3.10 Dealing with online monitor breakdown

If an online monitor breaks down, or is considered to be unreliable, there must be an
immediate return to a DECC approved sampling and analysis programme as detailed in
the oil discharge permit conditions.

11.3.11 Responsibility
It remains the responsibility of the oil discharge permit holder to ensure that the
correlation procedure is carried out correctly and adhered to.

11.3.12 Other correlation approaches

Other correlation approaches may also be used providing that it can be demonstrated
that there is no statistically significant difference between the results obtained from the
online monitor and those obtained from a DECC approved reference method.

A worked example that shows how to correlate online oil in water analysers against an
alternative analysis method is given in Appendix B.

80
12 BI-ANNUAL PRODUCED WATER SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS

There is a requirement for sampling and analysis, on a bi-annual basis, of produced

water samples for:

(i) Total Aliphatics.

(ii) Total Aromatics.
(iii) Total Hydrocarbons.
(iv) BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl Benzene and Xylene).
(v) NPD (Napthalene, Phenanthrene and Dibenzothiophene, including C1-C3 Alkyl
Homologues).
(vi) 16 EPA PAHs (excluding Naphthalene and Dibenzothiophene).
(vii) Organic Acids (Total Organic Acids, Formic, Acetic, Propionic, Butanoic, Pentanoic
and Hexanoic Acids).
(viii) Phenols / alkyl phenols (Total Phenols, C0-C3 Phenols, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6,
C7, C8, C9 Alkyl Phenols plus Homologues).
(ix) Metals (Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Lead, Mercury, Nickel, Zinc).

12.1 Introduction
For the purposes of building up a database of information on the amounts of various
constituents of produced water discharged to sea, a condition of certain oil discharge
permit requires operators to carry out a bi-annual (twice yearly) sampling and analysis
programme of produced water samples discharged from designated sampling points.

The following paragraphs specify how samples should be collected, what the
recommended analysis technique is, what the detection limits are and how the results
should be reported.

12.2 Bottles required for sampling

12.2.1 PAH analysis

A labelled acid washed sample bottles (1-litre acid washed amber glass bottle containing
1ml of 3% sodium thiosulphate solution). 5ml of 50% hydrochloric acid will also be
required for acidification of the sample.

12.2.2 BTEX analysis

A labelled acid washed sample bottles (1-litre acid washed glass bottle.)

12.2.3 Metal analysis (other than Mercury)

A labelled 1-litre acid washed polyethylene bottle required for each sample. 5ml of 50%
hydrochloric acid will also be required for acidification of the sample.

12.2.4 Mercury analysis

A 0.5 litre capacity glass sample bottle containing 10 ml of 0.1M potassium dichromate
oxidising agent will be required to be supplied to each offshore location. 10-ml aliquots
of sulphuric acid will also be required with each sample bottle for sample acidification.

12.2.5 Organic acid (or Volatile Fatty Acid (VFA)) analysis

A 0.5 litre acid washed amber glass bottle.

12.2.6 Bottles for phenols / alkyl phenols analysis

81
 A 1-litre acid solvent washed amber glass bottle.

12.2.7 Oil in water analysis

A 1-litre solvent washed glass bottle containing 5ml of 50% HCl will be required to be
supplied to the offshore location.

12.3 Packaging
All bottles should be packaged in suitable containers that are in accordance with the
relevant dangerous goods restrictions for airfreight. A suitably qualified person should
complete the paperwork for transportation of the bottles by air.

12.4 Sampling Methods

12.4.1 General
Samples must be taken from sample points identified within the relevant oil discharge
permit and in the same manner as described section 4.14 and as amended below.
Sample bottles must not be rinsed out prior to sampling as some of the sample bottles
may already contain small amounts of preservation reagents. All samples should be
labelled to show details of the date, time, location and installation from which the sample
was taken.

12.4.2 PAH analysis

A 1-litre acid washed amber glass bottle marked "PAH analysis" should be filled (leaving
no air gap) with a representative sample from the discharge point. The entire contents of
the hydrochloric acid ampoule should be added slowly to the sample, the lid should be
secured and the bottle should be checked for leaks. The bottle should be inverted six
times to ensure thorough mixing.

Note: Appropriate safety precautions should be taken when adding the acid. (See chemical
MSDS.) Always add acid to water, never water to acid.

12.4.3 BTEX analysis

A 1-litre acid washed glass bottle marked "BTEX analysis" should be filled (leaving no air
gap) with a representative sample from the discharge point. The lid should be secured
and the bottle should be checked for leaks.

12.4.4 Metal analysis (other than Mercury)

A 1-litre polyethylene bottle marked "Metals Analysis" should be filled to the mark with a
representative sample from the discharge point. The entire contents of the hydrochloric
acid ampoule should be added slowly to the sample, the lid should be secured and the
bottle should be checked for leaks. The bottle should be inverted six times to ensure
thorough mixing. .

Note: Appropriate safety precautions should be taken when adding the acid. (See chemical
MSDS.) Always add acid to water, never water to acid.

12.4.5 Mercury analysis

A 0.5 litre glass sample bottle marked "For Mercury Analysis" should be filled to the 0.5
litre mark with a representative sample from the discharge point. The entire contents of
the sulphuric acid ampoule should be added slowly to the sample, the lid should be
secured and the bottle should be checked for leaks. The bottle should be inverted six
times to ensure thorough mixing. .

82
Note: Appropriate safety precautions should be taken when adding the acid. (See chemical
MSDS.) Always add acid to water never water to acid.

12.4.6 Organic acid

A 0.5 litre acid washed amber glass bottle marked VFA analysis should be filled
(leaving no air gap) with a representative sample from the discharge point. The lid
should be secured and the bottle should be checked for leaks.

12.4.7 Phenols / alkyl phenols analysis

A 1-litre solvent washed amber glass bottle marked Phenols / alkyl phenols analysis
should be filled to the 900ml mark with a representative sample from the discharge point.
The lid should be secured and the bottle should be checked for leaks.

12.4.8 Oil in water

A 1-litre glass bottle marked "For oil in water" should be filled to the 1-litre mark with a
representative sample from the discharge point. The entire contents of the hydrochloric
acid ampoule should be added slowly to the sample, the lid should be secured and the
bottle should be checked for leaks. The bottle should be inverted six times to ensure
thorough mixing.

Note: Appropriate safety precautions should be taken when adding the acid. (See chemical
MSDS.) Always add acid to water never water to acid.

12.5 Analysis Methods

12.5.1 PAH Analysis

PAH analysis to include: Other components to

quantify:
Naphthalene Dibenzothiophene
Acenaphthylene 1-methyl naphthalene
Acenaphthene 2-methyl naphthalene
Fluorene 9-Methylphenanthrene
Phenanthrene 4-Methyldibenzothiophene
Anthracene 2,6 Dimethyl naphthalene
Fluoranthene 9-Ethylphenanthrene
Pyrene 4-Ethyldibenzothiophene
Benz(a)anthracene Trimethylphenanthrene
Chrysene 2-Isopropylnapthalene
Benzo(b)fluoranthene 1,2,6 -
Trimethylphenanthren
e
Benzo(k)fluoranthene Other isomers as appropriate
Benzo(a)pyrene
Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene
Dibenz(a,h)anthracene
Benzo(g,h,I)perylene

83
 When the on-shore laboratory receives the samples, they should be dosed with at least
two internal standards that reflect the different number of rings present i.e. at least one
two-ring and one three-ring internal standard should be used. The samples should then
be solvent extracted, and the extract concentrated by evaporation and analysed by
GC/MS/MS with the sample components separated, identified and measured by injecting
an aliquot into a high-resolution fused silica capillary column. The method of analysis will
be based on a draft ISO standard, ISO WD 14653-2:1997, Water quality
Determination of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) Part 1: Determination of
16 PAH in water by gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection or US EPA
610.

Further details on this method are available in OSPAR paper OIC 04/3-2 presented by
Denmark at OIC 2004. See http://www.ospar.org/eng/html/welcome.html for further
details, check the DECC website
(https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-energy-climate-change) or
contact DECC for a copy.

The UK detection limit for PAH is 0.1g/l.

12.5.2 BTEX analysis (Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl Benzene, (o,m,p Xylene))

Analysis will be carried out by a headspace method based on GC/MS. The method is
described in ISO method 11423-1- Water-quality Determination of benzene and some
derivatives. Part 1: Head-space gas chromatographic method. In addition it is
recommended to use mass spectrometry as the detection technique and labelled internal
standards for quantification. Further details on this method are available in OSPAR
paper OIC 04/3-2 presented by Denmark at OIC 2004. See
http://www.ospar.org/eng/html/welcome.html for further details, check the DECC website
(https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-energy-climate-change) or
contact DECC for a copy.

The UK detection limit for BTEX is 1.0 g/l.

12.5.3 Metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, Ni, As, Cr, Cu)

The samples will be filtered prior to analysis. The samples will be analysed using
Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES), Atomic
Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), Dynamic Reaction Cell Inductively Coupled Plasma
Mass Spectroscopy (DRC-ICP-MS), High Resolution Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass
Spectroscopy (HR-ICP-MS), Hydride Generation Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (HG-
AAS), or Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The samples will be
diluted with de-ionised water to reduce the sodium level; this may include a pre analysis
to determine the Na content.

After dilution, the samples will be analysed using the appropriate element wavelengths,
which are sensitive, free from interference and are linear in the calibration range. The
latter will be assured by analysing a quality control sample, which is generally at mid

84
 point of the concentration range and prepared from an alternative batch to that of the
standard.

Since the sample matrix is unknown, some samples may require different dilutions and
so the detection limit can either be improved or eroded. If applicable, a combination of
matrix matching of reference standards and dilution should be used to improve detection
limits.

Voltammetry is another technique that may be suitable for the analysis of metal ions in
produced water. It is well suited to saline matrices and can achieve lower detection limits
than some of the ICP techniques since large dilutions are not required to eliminate
salinity issues.

The UK detection limit for Cd is 0.5 g/l.

The UK detection limit for Pb is 1 g/l.
The UK detection limit for Zn is 5 g/l.
The UK detection limit for Ni is 9 g/l.
The UK detection limit for As is 1 g/l.
The UK detection limit for Cr is 1.5 g/l.
The UK detection limit for Cu is 10 g/l.

12.5.4 Phenols / alkyl phenols content

Total Phenols, C0-C3 Phenols, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9 Alkyl Phenols plus
Homologues will be determined by GC-MS.
The UK detection limit for alkyl phenols is 0.1g/l.

12.5.5 Organic acid content

Formic, acetic, proprionic, butanoic, pentanoic and hexanoic organic acids should be
determined by GC-MS or by Ionic chromatography, isotachophoresis (ITP).

The UK detection limit for organic acid is 2 mg/l.

12.5.6 Mercury content

Mercury should be determined using ICP-AES, i.e. Elemental Hg will be generated using
SnCl2/Au-amalgamation, or Cold Vapour Atom Absorption Spectroscopy (CV-AAS). The
method of standard addition should be used for this analysis.

As described in section 11.5.3 voltammetry is another technique that may be suitable for
the analysis of Mercury in produced water.

The UK detection limit for Hg is 0.5g/l.

85
12.5.7 Oil in water content
The analysis should be carried out using the DECC Triple Peak method to provide total
oil in water, aliphatic and aromatic content (for details please refer to Section 7 of this
document).

12.6 Reporting of test results

The appropriate bi-annual analysis EEMS form must be completed for each discharge
point and submitted to the processing authority by 1 st September and 1st March of each
year for the reporting periods 1st January 30th June and 1st July 31st December
respectively. It is highly recommended that samples are collected during the middle part
of each reporting period in order to avoid delays caused by unexpected process issues.
Late submission of returns is a non-compliance with the OPPC Regulations and must
also be reported using an OPPC non-compliance form.

86
13 HYDROCARBON ANALYSIS OF NON-PRODUCED WATER
DISCHARGE STREAMS

There are many potential non-produced water hydrocarbon discharge sources from an
offshore installation and there is not always an agreed reference analysis method that
can be recommended for these additional hydrocarbon sources. The following
information is offered as best practice and should be used wherever possible.

13.1 Measurement of Crude Oil on Water Based Mud Drill Cuttings

When drilling through the oil-bearing section of a reservoir using water-based mud, the
drill cuttings could become contaminated with traces of crude oil. The measurement of
crude oil on water based mud drill cuttings is therefore considered to be important, as
this is a permitted activity under the OPPC regulations.

The retort analysis method is the current accepted UK analysis technique. Other
techniques such as Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Gas
Chromatography Flame Ionisation Detection (GC-FID) or Fourier Transform Infrared
Spectroscopy (FT-IR) may be used if it is not possible or practical to use the retort
method.

13.2 Measurement of hydrocarbons on thermally treated Organo-Phase Fluid (OPF) drill

cuttings
OSPAR Decision 2003/3 allows for the discharge of 1% or less of synthetic oil on OPF
drill cuttings. The discharge of OPF cuttings that have been treated so that they contain
1% of oil or less, (w/w) is a permitted operation under The Offshore Chemicals
Regulations 2002 (OCR).

Note: This is not a discharge normally covered by the OPPC regulations although an oil
discharge permit will be required for the discharge of fluids associated with any cuttings
treatment, e.g. Rotomill, which contain reservoir hydrocarbons which is distinguishable
from synthetic oil using a recommended analysis method shown below.

Details of the appropriate limits of treated OPF drill cuttings should be contained in the
relevant section of the PON15 designated to cover chemical use and/or discharge
operations for that particular operation. Further guidance on sampling, etc, is available
from the DECC Environmental Management Team (emt@decc.gsi.gov.uk).

Following appropriate solubilisation of the OPF from drill cuttings, DECC recommends
using either Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Gas Chromatography
Flame Ionisation Detection (GC-FID) or Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-
IR) (or a combination of these techniques) as a means of quantifying the levels of
synthetic hydrocarbons present on discharged OPF cuttings. These methods may also
be suitable for determining the amount of reservoir hydrocarbons contained on the
cuttings.

87
13.3 Measurement of crude oil on sand or scale
DECC recommends that the DECC IR method be used for this type of analysis. The
analyst will have to measure out a portion of the oily sand/scale and then use TTCE
solvent to extract the oil phase retained on the sand/scale. Results should be reported in
mg/kg. A representative sample of crude oil must be used when constructing the
calibration graph. Refer to Annex A of the DECC IR Method (section 5) for details of oil
on sand analysis. In actual laboratory testing of oil contaminated sand or scale, if the
DECC IR Method is not suitable/available, other types of analysis using e.g. FT-IR or
GC/MS or different solvent systems may prove more suitable. In this instance, the
appropriate DECC Environmental Inspector should be contacted. Note that oil on sand
analysis is not to be correlated to the OSPAR Reference method.

13.4 Measurement of oil in hazardous and non-hazardous drainage systems

Discharges of hydrocarbons from hazardous and non-hazardous drains caissons are a
permitted activity under the OPPC regulations. Hydrocarbon discharges from drains
must not contain more than 40mg of hydrocarbons per litre (40mg/l) in discharged water
on a monthly average basis.

DECC recommends that samples taken for the purpose of measuring the oil content of
discharges from hazardous and non-hazardous drains be analysed by the DECC IR
Method. If the DECC IR Method is not suitable other types of analysis using e.g. FT-IR or
GC/MS or different solvent systems may prove more suitable. In this instance, the
appropriate DECC Environmental Inspector should be contacted. Note that analysis of oil
in drains systems is not to be correlated to the OSPAR Reference method.

13.5 Measurement of hydrocarbons in well-bore clean-up samples

Under the Prevention of Oil Pollution Act, (1971), exemptions from Section 3 of the Act
were granted to allow for the discharge of hydrocarbon contaminated seawater, or brine,
that resulted from the chemical cleaning of a well, prior to the addition of completion
brines. Given that the hydrocarbons being removed in well clean-ups are either residual
organo-phase fluids (OPFs), or some of the components of the original OPF used to drill
the well, discharge of such hydrocarbons now falls under the auspices of OCR. However,
an oil discharge permit will be required for the discharge of well clean up fluids which
contain reservoir hydrocarbons which is distinguishable from synthetic oil using a
recommended analysis method shown below.

Details about appropriate limits for the discharge of hydrocarbons contained in

contaminated seawater or brine should be contained in the relevant section of the
PON15 designated to cover chemical use and discharge operations for that particular
operation and analysts are again referred to the DECC Environmental Management
Team (emt@decc.gsi.gov.uk) for further information on sampling, reporting, etc.

DECC recommends using either Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS),

Gas Chromatography Flame Ionisation Detection (GC-FID) or Fourier Transform

88
 Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) (or a combination of these techniques) as a means of
quantifying the levels of hydrocarbons present on discharged well cleanup samples. If no
OPFs are expected within the well clean up fluids, then the DECC IR method may be
used to quantify the level of reservoir hydrocarbons within the discharge samples.

Care must be taken, when analysing well bore clean-up returns, to remove all or most of
the surfactants present as they may register as hydrocarbons in the overall analysis.
This may be achieved by using recognised sample clean-up techniques utilising Florisil
for example.

REFERENCES
[1] OSPAR Agreement 1997-16 on Sampling and analysis procedure for the 40 mg/l target
standards (www.ospar.org)
[2] OSPAR Recommendation 2001/1 for the management of produced water from offshore
installations (www.ospar.org)
[3] Preparation of calibration curves a guide to best practice, September 2003,
LGC/VAM/2003/032
(www.nmschembio.org.uk/PublicationArticle.aspx?m=115&amid=472)

89
APPENDICES WORKED EXAMPLES ILLUSTRATING
CORRELATION METHODS DEVELOPED IN CHAPTER 8

The data used in the worked examples below are hypothetical, and therefore do not represent
real oil in water data. The examples have been created for the purpose of demonstrating the
principals involved in correlating one method against another.

The calibration graphs with the 95% confidence intervals calculated in the worked examples
below have been generated using a statistical software package called Minitab and Version 14
which was used by DECC for creation of this document. Use of this software by DECC does not
constitute a recommendation and analysts are free to use other suitable software packages that
can carry out similar tasks. DECC experience on how to generate suitable graphs using Minitab
is offered within this document. However analysts would be well served in obtaining
professional advice in this area and not just relying upon DECC experience.

Use of Minitab 14
Generating graphs correlating Alternative Analysis results against OSPAR reference results is
quite straightforward using Minitab. Data can be copied from an Excel or Word document and
pasted directly onto a Minitab worksheet. If you go to Stat on the toolbar and select
Regression followed by Fitted Line Plot, this will take you into a Fitted Line Plot menu.
OSPAR Reference Method analysis results go into the X (Predictor) axis and results for the
Alternative analyses go into the Y (Response) axis. Under Options the box for the 95%
Confidence Interval should be ticked. Once this has been done, select OK from the main Fitted
Line Plot menu. A graph should appear that contains both the 95% Confidence Intervals and
has the regression equation at the top.

Adding validation data is straightforward but it has to be remembered that all data in the
columns will be used in the graph and in preparation of the regression equation. This is useful
when generating a new plot after removing an outlier for example but can be awkward if trying
to overlay validation data points to see if they fit into the existing graph.

A simple way of checking whether data is within or out with the 95% confidence interval is to go
to the Editor function and select Crosshairs. It is then relatively easy to see whether data
points lie within the 95% confidence intervals.

Any comments on the use of Minitab 14 or any other statistical package, in relation to this
document, should be sent to offshore.inspectorate@decc.gsi.gov.uk

90
APPENDIX A

Correlating an Alternative Method against the OSPAR Reference Method using

Laboratory Prepared Correlating Standards

It is October 2009 and EDU Limited has decided that they want to use an alternative oil in water
analysis method to the OSPAR Reference Method on their offshore installation Atholl Bravo but
they wish to use method A2.

The operator has decided that UK Central Laboratories should carry out the onshore correlation
of the alternative method instrument against the OSPAR Reference Method. The alternative
method instrument was despatched to the onshore laboratory together with a representative
sample of stabilised crude oil.

For the alternative method, n-pentane is used as an extraction solvent.

(1) Correlation standards preparation

At the onshore laboratory, a stock solution of oil in water was prepared by introducing a known
weight of stabilised crude oil into a known volume of saline water. This was followed by pentane
extraction. A series of six calibration standards were then prepared by successive dilutions of
the pentane extract using pentane.

(2) Analysis results

Correlation standards were then analysed by both the alternative method and the OSPAR
Reference Method. Results obtained are shown in Table A1.

Alternative Method 4 15 33 43 61 70
(mg/l)

OSPAR GC-FID (mg/l) 3 16 30 45 60 76

Table A1: Analysis of correlation standards

(3) Correlation curve construction

A correlation graph was constructed by plotting the results shown in Table A1. The points were
then fitted using linear regression with the 95% confidence intervals calculated using Minitab.
The resultant graph Graph A1 is shown:

91
 Graph A1: 6 data points - synthetic standards
Alternative Method (mg/l) = 1.947 + 0.9318 OSPAR Method (mg/l)

80 Regression
95% CI
70 S 2.82398
Alternative Method (mg/l)

R-Sq 99.0%
60 R-Sq(adj) 98.8%

50

40

30

20

10

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
OSPAR Method (mg/l)

Following the correlation, the alternative method instrument (along with a series of standard
solutions) was returned to EDU Limited for use on installation Atholl Bravo. Upon delivery, two
of the standard solutions were checked to ensure the instrument had not been damaged in
transit, and were determined to be valid.

(4) Monthly Validation

To check if the original IR calibration is still valid, each calendar month a sample of one of the
original IR standard solutions was analysed by the alternative method. The result obtained was
checked and found to lie within the 95% confidence interval.

92
APPENDIX B

Correlating an Online Monitor against an Approved Alternative Method

Installation Atholl Charlie is owned and operated by EDU Limited and has been discharging
more than 100 tonnes of dispersed oil to sea per annum for the last two years according to the
EEMS figures.

In a desire to better control and monitor platform emissions, the operator has looked at various
online monitoring techniques and decided to fit an online monitor to measure the dispersed oil in
the discharged produced water. Currently two samples are taken daily at 06:00 and 18:00, and
analysed by the DECC IR method. The DECC IR method has been correlated with the OSPAR
Reference Method.

Following a factory calibration, the online instrument was shipped offshore and installed on the
installation. The online monitor was installed on a produced water by-pass line that has been
fitted with a Y shaped sampling device. This device allows samples parallel to the ones
analysed by the online monitors be taken and analysed by the approved alternative method.

Note: It is important to make sure that taking parallel samples do not in any way affect the measurement
of oil concentration by the online monitoring instrument.

(1) Correlation
Following installation of the online analyser, correlation against the alternative method analyser
was carried out. The correlation, which was assisted by the instrument supplier, took 5 days,
during which time 10 correlation data points were obtained.

For each correlation point, three samples were taken and analysed by the approved method. An
average reading was then obtained from the online monitor during the time period when the
corresponding samples were taken.

Note:
(a) Samples were taken over a wide concentration range. All the samples were taken at a time
when the production process was reasonably steady.

93
The obtained calibration results are shown in Table B1.

Alternative
Method
(Average
result) 9 20 38 26 34 40 50 14 70 33
(mg/l)

Online
Monitor
Value
15 23 42 29 39 46 63 15 80 40
(mg/l)

Table B1 Correlation results

(2) Correlation curve construction

A correlation graph was constructed by plotting the average values from analysing the field
samples using the alternative method against the average readings from the online monitor. A
correlation graph for the alternative method vs. OSPAR reference method is still also required
The points were fitted using linear regression with the 95% confidence intervals calculated using
Minitab.

An example of the obtained correlation graph is shown in Graph B1.

Graph B1: Online Monitor Correlation Graph - 10 data points

Alternative Method (mg/l) = - 0.414 + 0.8626 Online Monitor (mg/l)
80 Regression
95% CI
70
S 2.27500
Alternative Method (mg/l)

R-Sq 98.6%
60 R-Sq(adj) 98.4%

50

40

30

20

10

0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Online Monitor (mg/l)

94
(3) Validation
Each week a validation was carried out. The method of carrying out the check was identical to
the way a validation data point was generated. This meant that three samples were taken and
analysed by the approved method, an average reading obtained and an average reading
obtained from the online monitor at the time when the corresponding samples were taken.

An example of the validation results obtained in the first calendar month is given in Table B2.

Cal 1-wk1 Cal 2-wk2 Cal 3-wk3 Cal 4-wk3 Cal 5-wk4

Alternative 25 30 15 17 45
(mg/l)

Online 28 36 25 23 55
(mg/l)

Table B2 Weekly validation results

In this example, validation result Cal 1, Cal 2 and Cal 5 were found to be within the 95%
confidence intervals. Validation result Cal 3 was found to be outside the 95% confidence
intervals, but another check (Cal 4) which was done immediately after Cal 3 showed that the
validation point was within the 95% confidence intervals. The use of the correlation was
therefore continued.

Note: if Cal 4 point was also outside 95% confidence intervals, a re-correlation would have to have been
carried out.

(4) Monthly correlation graph update

At the end of the first calendar month, a new correlation graph was constructed by adding the
latest validation data points into the original set of data points. A new graph is drawn and new
95% confidence intervals are calculated.

In the above example, Cal 1, Cal 2, Cal 4 and Cal 5, i.e. those within the 95% confidence
intervals, were added to the original correlation graph data points. A new correlation graph with
new 95% confidence intervals was then produced as shown in Graph B2.

95
 Graph B2: Online Graph - 10 data points plus 4 validation pts
Alternative Method (mg/l) = - 0.611 + 0.8606 Online Monitor (mg/l)

Regression
70 95% CI

S 2.08844
60
Alternative Method (mg/l)

R-Sq 98.4%
R-Sq(adj) 98.3%
50

40

30

20

10

0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Online Monitor (mg/l)

(5) Approval from the DECC

Following the successful generation of a correlation graph and two calendar months smooth
operation, EDU Limited sought formal approval from DECC to use results from the online
analyser for reporting purposes.

The following information was submitted to DECC:

(i) Original correlation graph and the two monthly updated correlation graphs.
(ii) Validation results (at least 4 sets of results each month for the first two month period
following the establishment of a correlation graph), i.e. results obtained from the approved
method and average results from the online analyser for each of the validation points.
(iii) Methodology for calculating the monthly mass of oil discharged into the sea.

96
 Crown copyright February 2014
Department of Energy & Climate Change
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London SW1A 2AW
www.gov.uk/decc